Leah Smith Promises Her Music Is Beautifully Made

Having come across the music of this artist, I am already keen to hear more from this very talented individual, who comes from the wonderful Philadelphia, where there seems to be something in the water when it comes to delivering some of music’s finest talents within the industry. Leah Smith is no different in talent from the likes of Boyz II Men; Jill Scott; Jazmine Sullivan; Kindred The Family Soul; plus many others.

No doubt we will definitely be hearing more from this very talented songstress who has not long since released her very own project, ‘Beautifully Made’, an EP that certainly showcases Leah as one of the future breeds of talent (who has performed since the age of four years old) within music and someone who should be around within music for many years to come.

Certainly this is an artist whose music you must check out and you can purchase her amazing EP by visiting the websites of Amazon UK and Amazon USA. In the meantime, here is one of her songs from the project for you to check out below, which should definitely give you a little more insight into this very talented artist. You can also find out more on Leah’s music by clicking here.

Leah Smith - Monster

Cover Alert: Janelle Monáe

I am seriously looking forward to the new album from Janelle Monáe and we don’t have much longer to wait, as it hits stores next month, the 18th May to be exact, so ink that date on your music calendars as this album should definitely be a highlight of this year.

Moving on, it seems the artwork for Janelle’s project has surfaced online and it really is something special. I think I’ve mentioned before that I absolutely adore great artwork on albums, I feel it draws people in to checking an album out and it has done that for me in the past, intriguing me so much that I’ve purchased an album purely on interesting and colourful artwork. Janelle’s artwork is pretty special, but then she’s not an artist that does things lightly in music, she always has a reason for doing something and it always has a lot of thought behind it.

Take a look at the artwork for ‘The ArchAndroid’ below and you can pre-order the album by clicking here in the UK and here in the USA.

17 Years & Still Going Strong: Backstreet Boys

It’s no surprise that I am a huge Backstreet Boys fan; I’ve mentioned it on Twitter and on here a few times. I’ve been a huge fan of the guys for the past fifteen years, since they burst onto the UK music scene back in 1995 and ever since, I have been addicted to them and their music. A lot of people assume that the guys broke up and then got back together after numerous years apart, they seem to forget that the guys have been releasing albums over the past few years, which is a shame.

Needless to say, the guys are still going today after seventeen years together as part of the Backstreet Boys and fans could not be any happier. We wish the guys all of the success in the world and hope that they are around for the next seventeen or so years, as they continue to break records worldwide and continue with their record breaking sales as one of the biggest selling groups of all time. I will always make time for this group.

Here are a few music videos from the guys over the years, which should definitely highlight exactly why they have been around for so long within music and broken so many records within music. If you would like to find out more news; information or chat about the guys, then you can do so by visiting a Backstreet Boys forum which is hosted by a friend and fellow fan, click here if you wish to do so. Enjoy!

Backstreet Boys – Quit Playin’ Games (With My Heart)




Backstreet Boys – As Long As You Love Me




Backstreet Boys – I Want It That Way




Backstreet Boys – The Call




Backstreet Boys – Drowning




Backstreet Boys – I Still




Backstreet Boys – Inconsolable




Backstreet Boys – Bigger

Green Tea Shows Us How It Should Be Done

Green Tea is an artist who everyone should know of within music, but sometimes it just doesn’t work out like that and some artists continue to remain under the radar within the industry. Green Tea is one of those artists who remains so underrated within music, yet consistently delivers music that could give the more well known artists a run for their money.

If you have somehow been living under a rock while Green Tea has been delivering some of her most amazing material, then be sure to click here to check out more from this very talented artist. But in the meantime, I have been told by the lady herself that she is currently working on a new project, a remix project to be exact and I have been given a small taster of what is to come from this very talented, yet underrated artist. Hopefully with this, more people will begin to familiarise themselves with Green Tea’s work.

Green Tea – Who Woulda Thought

The R&B Supergroup That Never Was: TGT

Everyone who knows me knows that I absolutely adore Ginuwine and that I have been a fan of him for many years, I just think he’s amazing, so when I heard a couple or so years back now that Tank; Ginuwine and Tyrese were to join forces and create the ultimate R&B supergroup, I was, as you can imagine, very excited. They are easily three of my favourite R&B males within music and you just knew that they were going to deliver something incredibly special.

When I heard there was never going to be a tour and that an album was never going to be released from them, I was quite disappointed as from what we heard via the leaked songs, it was all set to be one of the hottest R&B albums for a very long time. I still to this very day hold out hope that this album will somehow find its way to being released, I know all of the artists are on different labels and that’s an issue, but I hope that somehow an agreement can be made, in the interest of fellow TGT fans out there.

In the meantime, here is a song from the guys that most of you will have probably already heard, let’s hope that someday a TGT album will actually be recorded and released.

TGT – Please Don’t Go (Remix)

NEWS: The Plot Thickens With Jill Scott’s Label Issues

Anyone who knows me knows that I absolutely adore Jill Scott’s music; she is one of my favourite artists within the industry and consistently delivers the very best in music. So to say I am excited for her upcoming album is an understatement; I am more than a little excited for the project.

With all of that said, I am a little worried about the label issues that Jill is currently facing with her previous label, Hidden Beach, who she has parted ways with. There seems to be a lot going on behind the scenes with this story and I hope and pray that it doesn’t delay the upcoming album; this is something all Soul fans need in their life.

Anyway, here is the latest piece of information to come from the battle between the talented star and her former label. I hope this somehow sorts itself out and it doesn’t postpone Jill’s upcoming project. I will continue to see how this story unfolds, as I say, I adore Jill and everything she does in music, acting, etc.

R&B singer Jill Scott is hitting back at Hidden Beach Records, claiming the indie label caused her millions of dollars in damages for mismanagement of her career, according to legal papers filed in Los Angeles Supreme Court.

Scott's cross-complaint claims breach of contract; tortious interference with contract; accounting; misappropriation of likeness; common law right of publicity; and false advertising under the Lanham Act.

The artist exited the label in October 2009 under the protection of California's seven-year rule, also known as Labor Code Section 2855 or the "De Havilland Law." Named after actress Olivia De Havilland's successful fight in the '40s against long-term studio deals, it provides that talent cannot be bound by personal services contracts, including recording contracts, for more than seven years.

In turn, the LA-based indie label - she recorded for Hidden Beach for 10 years - sued her in February, claiming she walked before fulfilling the terms of her deal. Hidden Beach has released six Jill Scott projects, including live CDs and a DVD, that have scanned 4.7 million units, according to Nielsen Soundscan.

"The allegations contained in Jill's cross-complaint are without merit and apparently meant to distract from what this lawsuit is really all about - Hidden Beach's right to recover damages based on her failure to fulfill her contractual obligations," wrote attorney Lawrence Hinkle, who represents Hidden Beach, in an e-mailed statement to Billboard. "We are truly saddened that Jill has taken this course of action especially since Hidden Beach's extraordinary support of her has been unwavering over the years in helping her achieve her dream of getting to where she is now in her career. Jill's allegations also run to counter to her own previous public and private acknowledgments concerning Hidden Beach and its effectiveness in supporting and advancing her career. Hidden Beach continues to hope that this dispute is resolved soon but until then, it will defend itself vigorously in court."

The artist is seeking compensatory damages, punitive and exemplary damages, an injunction against Hidden Beach from using her name and/or likeness without Scott's permission, and attorney's fees.

SOURCE

Janelle Monáe Shows Her Artistic Side

I am more than excited for the new album from Janelle Monáe, it’s no secret that I am a huge fan of her work. I just think she oozes originality and creativity, something you just do not see a lot of within this industry, especially when so much attention is paid on how someone looks. Janelle is a breath of fresh air within music.

I will not inundate you with too much to read, I will just let you view the creative masterpiece trailer below that prepares you for Janelle’s album, ‘The ArchAndroid’, which is due out May 18th. Enjoy!

Janelle Monáe – The ArchAndroid Trailer

YahZarah Continues To Serenade Us With Her Ballad

This year is shaping up pretty nicely so far for album releases and it seems that YahZarah’s upcoming effort, ‘The Ballad Of Purple Saint James’, will be a great addition to what has already surfaced so far and continue in highlighting just what an amazing talent YahZarah truly is within music. The upcoming masterpiece will be out on May 4th, so be sure to ink that date ready on your calendar.

If you cannot wait until then to hear something else from YahZarah, then here is the album sampler for you to check out, which should keep you happy until next month when the album hits stores. Enjoy!

YahZarah – The Ballad Of Purple Saint James (Sampler)

Tracklist

1. Shadow Intro
2. All My Days (feat. Darien Brockington)
3. Cry Over You (feat. Phonte)
4. Have A Heart
5. Change Your Mind
6. Starship
7. Shadow Outro

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Always Pushing The Boundaries In Music: Kelis

I know I’m a little late posting this music video, especially as it’s been floating around on the internet for a while now. But it took me a while to actually see it and after doing so the other day, I just had to do a feature on Kelis. I have always respected Kelis for pushing the boundaries in music, she has released some really lovely music over the past numerous years and now with the new album, ‘Flesh Tone’, which is out here in the UK on May 17th and should definitely be worth checking out, you can purchase the album by clicking here.

It also seems that some people are mentioning she’s copying the style of Lady Gaga (who I can respect for her art, but I don’t listen to her music) with her latest music video for ‘Acapella’. Well for starters, Kelis has been around a heck of a lot longer and has always been pushing the boundaries with her style (although I don’t agree with her use of fur, but that is her choice and hers alone, no one else’s) and her music; she does not jack anyone else’s style. On another note, there were plenty of other artists around a long time before Lady Gaga who were just as daring with their style and music, for example: Grace Jones; Kylie Minogue; Kate Bush and many others.

In the meantime, here is the rather amazing latest music video from Kelis for you to watch below. Enjoy!

Kelis – Acapella

Proving She’s No One Hit Wonder: Melanie Fiona

Melanie Fiona easily delivered one of the best albums last year with her incredible debut, ‘The Bridge’, an album I have been playing ever since I first got my hands on it. If you haven’t yet checked her debut album out, then I would definitely recommend doing so. This artist has so much potential and no doubt there will be bigger things coming her way in her career.

Here is her latest music video for you to check out. Enjoy!

Melanie Fiona – Ay Yo

Setting Standards In British Music: Ty

Ty has been doing his thing within music for what seems like forever and constantly setting standards, I truly respect this man and all he puts out within music. His latest song, ‘Emotions’, is exactly what I needed within music.

If you have been sleeping on the music from this ridiculously talented man, then where have you been these past few years? You have certainly been missing out on some classic British music. I would recommend checking out Ty’s upcoming album, ‘Special Kind Of Fool’, which is out on the 19th April and can be ordered by clicking here.

In the meantime, here is a mixtape that DJ BOUNCE has put together, which you can enjoy by clicking the link provided below.

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Back When Good Music Was Evident: N-Tyce

I’ve mentioned this group previously, they were around in the 1990’s when music just seemed to be so much better, there was a mass of talented artists, groups, etc all battling for their piece of success and the majority of that which was put out was actually really good. N Tyce were incredibly underrated, they burst onto the scene around the time that the Spice Girls had taken over music and everything else they could lay their hands on, so it was always going to be difficult for them to earn a slice of success when a group was so popular, all eyes were focused on the Spice Girls and All Saints, who I think came onto the scene before N Tyce. It’s just a shame they weren’t as popular. R&B music in the 1990’s was really of a high quality and we had a lot of great talent that went unrecognised here in the UK.

Here is the music video for one of their songs for you to check out, which should give you a little more insight into how good this group actually were.

N-Tyce – Telefunkin’

Wait A Minute, Ty Is Back & He’s All Emotional

Ty is an artist I have respected for a long time, he always seems to bring the goods whenever he delivers music and you are certainly never left disappointed when he does. The first release from his upcoming album is titled ‘Emotions’, it now seems that the video for the rather amazing single has surfaced too and definitely showcases Ty as someone you should definitely not be sleeping on. If you somehow have never heard anything on this artist, then wow, you have certainly been missing out. If you do know who Ty is, then you will also know that his new album is out on the 19th April and titled, ‘Special Kind Of Fool’.

In the meantime, here is the rather amazing video which definitely gives ‘Emotions’ a whole new lease of life. Enjoy!

Ty – Emotions (feat. Sarina Leah & Shaun Escoffrey)

Setting Standards: Akala

I absolutely adore Akala, as a writer of poetry and lyrics myself I can truly appreciate his music. The man is a genius and talent obviously runs in the family, as his sister is none other than Ms Dynamite, who is just as talented as her younger brother. I am definitely going to be checking out Akala’s upcoming album, ‘DOUBLETHINK’, which is due out May 3rd here in the UK and should be well worth checking out, Akala always delivers some really amazing lyrics within his work, so it should be a real treat.

Here is a snippet of a song from the upcoming album, you can check it out below. Enjoy!

Akala – Yours And My Children (Snippet)

On Her Way To The Top: Szjerdene

I have mentioned Szjerdene many a time on the site and now it seems the very talented artist is treating fans of her work to more. This lady certainly knows how to sing, I could easily listen to her work all the time and no doubt there will be a lot more to come from Szjerdene.

Here are a couple of rather amazing live performances that the lady herself linked me towards, which you can view for yourself below. Enjoy!

Szjerdene – Stay




Szjerdene – Go

Future Star: Maria Bentley

Maria Bentley is an artist you should definitely know of within music, bringing sounds both fresh and unique. I know I say this a lot, but it really does seem like a lot of music taking centre focus these days lacks that edge, that soul that the more underground artists seem to ooze.

Having started out writing her thoughts down onto paper, Maria’s love for sound and music grew, so much so that she penned and created music just for herself, a way for her to release tension and escape the pressures that surrounded her. Maria is currently writing and co-producing more material and plans to share it with as many people who love music just as much as she does.

If you wish to find out more information or music from this very talented artist, then you can do so by clicking here. In the meantime, here is a song for you to listen to, which should definitely give you a little more insight into this very talented artist we should be hearing a lot more from.

Maria Bentley – Love Is A Drug

Down Memory Lane: The 411

The 411 were a group I thought were pretty cool when they first came onto the music scene; they seemed to have that certain something most groups lacked within the charts, so it was refreshing to see a new group incorporating a mixture of sounds into their music. They received a great reception to begin with, but by the time they’d released a couple of more singles attention seemed to move from them onto other acts within the charts. Time passed by and one of the members left to pursue her own dreams and the group continued, well tried to, they hardly received the support they got the first time around and eventually parted ways. In my opinion, the first line up with Suzie (before she left) was the best.

Anyway, here are a couple of their videos for you to take a look at.

The 411 – On My Knees




The 411 – Teardrops

Making It Look So Easy: Raheem DeVaughn

It’s no secret that I absolutely adore Raheem DeVaughn, I could easily listen to his music all of the time. I’ve been a fan of his for what seems like such a long time and it’s been lovely too. Raheem certainly knows how to keep his fans on their toes when it comes to his music, especially when we saw him record an exclusive song a few weeks back. This man can really sing and I wouldn’t have it any other way, he’s just incredible!

Here is the latest song to be taken from his rather amazing album, ‘The Love & War MasterPeace’, which is out now to buy from all good music shops. You can view Raheem’s latest music video below. Enjoy!

Raheem DeVaughn – I Don’t Care

Let’s All Walk With Janelle Monáe On Her Tightrope

I honestly don’t think much is needed to explain Janelle’s talent in music, it’s pretty evident from listening to her music and watching numerous videos of the talented lady performing live. I am definitely more than excited for Janelle’s upcoming album, ‘The ArchAndroid’, which has to be one of the most anticipated albums this year, along with a couple of others.

Here is Janelle’s latest music video for you to have a look at. Enjoy!

Janelle Monáe – Tightrope (feat. Big Boi)