Gospel Music News - Mary Mary

Mary Mary is BACK!  Although I'm not a fan, I respect what these ladies are doing for the gospel community.  Back with this single, "Go Get It", they are going for a new level.  In addition to rolling out a new project, Tina is expecting a child!! AND... the two are doing their own reality television series on WEtv.   These ladies are making some major noise and I have to resepct their hustle!



New in R&B Music 2/28/2012

When it comes to Rico Love, I have mixed opinions.  I remember his early work, and I was unimpressed.  However, I do respect his major accomplishments with Usher, Beyonce, Dirty Money, and Kelly Rowland – he has become one of the most sought at producers.  Although you may know him as the man behind Monica and Brandy’s “It All Belongs to Me” – he has been in front of the microphone as well, and making a name for himself in popular culture.  If you don’t believe it – run back and re-watch some episodes on vh1 hit show Love and Hip Hop, as he attempts to revamp the careers of Teairra Mari and Olivia.  Check out some work that he recently did, that I happen to enjoy a little bit.

Rico Love - "Lessons for the Lover"

Miguel.  There's so much I could say about this guy, but regardless what I say about him and his interesting public relation decisions... he makes music that people feel.   He also is one of the most sought out R&B crooner of 2011-2012.  Point blank -- he's gettin money!  And as the name of the game is in our contemporary music industry --  HE HAS A MIXTAPE!!  CHECK IT OUT AT THIS LINK BELOW...

Miguel - "Art Dealer Chic Vol. 1"

P.J. Morton - "Heavy" feat. Adam Levine


P.J. has been in the studio lately.  And the stuff that he is coming up with is phenomenal.  As a musician, I respect and really admire his career.  For those GOSPEL fans, I've been seeing exchanges between he and Amber Bullock, winner of BET's 2011 "Sunday's Best" competition.  And I cannot WAIT to see what they come up with.  Her voice is like water, and his songwriting and production are timeless. This joint, "Heavy" featuring Adam Levine ROCKS... like BODY ROCKS.  You get to see the diversity of PJ as an artist.  Watch the lyric video here!









Dawn Richard - "Fly"


I know you all think that I'm probably the largest endorser of Dawn Richard, but the girl just keeps putting out music that is dope.  I cannot stress enough, she needs someone to invest in her marketing - because Diddy did her ALL wrong.  She is such a unique, refreshing and talented voice with MAD SKILL.  She keeps releasing material (or it keeps leaking out) -- and that makes me concerned about her upcoming project BUT I really need you all to keep your eye on her.  If given the right resources, Dawn will be a MAJOR force to be reckoned with.

Dawn Richard - "Fly"

Tamia - "Beautiful Surprise"


If you aren't excited about this, I don't know what will get you excited.  Tamia , confirmed by her PR is getting ready to release her new project.  She has been tweeting, instagraming and status updating about shooting video and taking pictures for her new album "Beautiful Surprise".  Her voice is flawless - as usual... and she looks great.  I secretly want my future wife to look and sing like her.  (Thank you God in advance for supplying that need!)  Be on the watch out for her.  She's still relevant!

OH ... AND FAMILY... GO GET THE ROBERT GLASPER "BLACK RADIO" PROJECT TODAY!!!

2/22/2012 NEWS (New Music, Video & Download)

2/22/2012 NEWS (New Music, Video & Download)

Former American Idol winner, Ruben Studdard is releasing a new project entitled Letters from Birmingham under Shanachie Records.  Personally, I think it is rather witty for him to play on words with the civil-rights and hometown theme.  However, he's released his artwork and track listing for his new project due out March 13th.  Studdard sings well, but let just hope that he gets the appropriate publicity for this project. I think it'll be good!

Take a look at it here:

Letters from Birmingham (Ruben Studdard) - AMAZON

Dawn Richard is at it again!! She has released her second single off of her highly anticipated solo-debut album.  If you haven't copped her #ATellTaleHeart ... you are NOT winning!  The WHOLE mixtape sounds better than most people's albums.  I expect no less with this upcoming album.  This joint is DOPE -- the drum programming is dope and that tight 2-part dissonant harmony is refreshing! Take a listen to this joint, "Black Lipstick" off of her album that will be entitled Armor On.

Dawn Richard - Black Lipstick

Tank has hit us with another one.   R&B sensation, Tank, is one of R&B's most noteworthy vocalist and writers.  Check his credits, this man has some memorable hits on his own and for other people too.  Now gearing up for his fifth album, Tank is still going harder than ever before.  This track entitled, Mirror is a sweet falsetto-driven track.   It is definitely a laid back tune, and I know you'll like it.   (Check back to Mic'd Up when I locate the track with NO DJ on it.. I know you don't wanna hear it WHACK like that!)



"I'm So Into You"... "Right Here"... "Weak"... yeah - you know what I'm talking about... SWV!!  The ladies of (S)isters (W)ith (V)oices have made their return to the center stage of R&B, beginning with the produciton of a reality series, working on album, and now the FIRST new video.  It's been awhile.  Let me know what you think!

Nikki Ross Contest

THIS JUST IN!!!

GOSPEL FANS... Do you like Nikki Ross?!

THE Nikki Ross' (featured vocalist for Kirk Franklin, Ricky Dillard, and more) birthday is February 26th!  This year she is choosing to GIVE BACK!  Singers, get your good singing voice ready.  She wants you to sing happy birthday to her.

Send your BEST video or audio clips to Nikki at nikki_ross_facebook@yahoo.com for a chance to do a record with her! The Grand Prize is for the top 2 singers - you will get the opportunity to do a record featuring Nikki Ross.  This is a great opportunity  for all of UPCOMING ARTIST that are working on new projects!  Three other special winners will get first copies of her new single when it debuts!

I encourage all of my singers to try this out.  She is an EXCELLENT and HUMBLE artist that will be great to work with.   You have to send her your audio or video clip ON February 26th (not before and certainly not after!)


Special update from NIKKI:  She wants to see creativity at its best!  You can sing the original happy birthday or create an original "happy birthday" tribute to her.  Best wishes to all participants!!!

What are you waiting on?!?!

New TODAY in R&B Soul 2/21!

Good Day All!

R&B/SOUL MUSIC NEWS TODAY!

Olivia, the child we don't understand on Love & Hip Hop... has released a new mixtape - hosted by DJ Fine$$e.  From a business perspective, this is a good look for her.  And regardless of her hopeless storyline on vh1, she has an undeniable talent.  Let's hope she finds success at marketing her talent.  In any case, DJ Finesse is KNOWN for his dope R&B mixtapes.  He just has a nice feel - that man's DJ skills are like his name, finnessed -- and the slow jam joints that he does -- EPIC!!  If you ain't hip, take the time to listen to his other projects as well.  I hope the mixtape makes more sense than her story line on the show. 

Here's the LINK:  DJ Finesse presents: From Olivia, With Love



INTERESTING SINGLES:

B.O.B. - "So Good"

B.O.B. does it again!  This is nice little groove right in time for the spring!  I think you will appreciate this joint if you get it.  It's like "Airplanes" -- but Part 2... If this is the way music is going to be for the spring, I can't wait!

Daley feat. Marsha Ambrosius - "Alone Together"

UK Crooner, Daley, is a MONSTER!!  When I heard his voice, I was floored.  This cat is incredibly talented.  The song is dope all-around.  The track is definitely reminiscent of Marsha's groove but the lyrics are just phenomenally strung together.  His look does not match his voice, but you will be pleasantly be surprised.  Trust me on this one... 

DROP ME A NOTE...

WANNA SEE AN ARTIST PROFILE?  Where are they now? Who's up and coming?

Tweet me at @KeyboardK1dd or email me at kpcullors@gmail.com if you want me to cover an artist in my blog! 

New TYRESE video

Now I would be wrong not to share this with you all!  Tyrese has given us a nice video to go along with his latest single, "Nothing On You" from his project Open Invitation.  Chili is BAD!  And the rumors have already begun... LOL!

NEW IN MUSIC: R&B/SOUL

1.  This isn't REALLY new, but it's a worthy mention!  Ms. Stacy Barthe has released YET another mixtape, and her talent is just phenomenal.  If you don't have her last mixtape, Sincerely Yours.  You are definitely not on it.  She gives you some incredible tone and has a vibe that's similar to The Weekend, Foreign Exchange, and a little edge of Frank Ocean.  I love her work.  And if you got iTunes - cop her project In the InBetween.  It will definitle BLESS YOU!

Here's a remix feat. John Legend that you can download... It's on ME!

http://www.sharebeast.com/g8iozgk0o8xl


2.  For Valentine's Day - Usher let us HAVE it with what I hope - contemporary R&B is headed.  Now if you are an Usher fan, I'm sure you will like this.  I wouldn't say (like Free [formerly of 106 & Park] said) that it's the return of his original sound but I will say that he has evolved and the lyrical prowess and mature sound make it GROWN.  And I like it.  Check it out:

http://soundcloud.com/diplo/climax


WATCH OUT FOR:

1. Black Radio (Robert Glasper) - I am ANTICIPATING this project!!! On February 28, Glasper will unleash a BEAST of a project.  He has so many features on this project of notoriety, I'm not going to even tell you all of them.  I just want you to watch the video.  I guarantee this project will be one that you want to grab!




2. Estelle - All of Me ... listen, she is definitely trying to evolve as an artist.  I respect the experimental distance that she is taking with this new album, set to be released on February 28, 2012.  I think this album may be a winner!

3. I won't go into great detail now, but look for information regarding Melanie Fiona, Monica and Ruben Studdard.  (I may have some EXCLUSIVE information on D'Angelo's upcoming project soon as well...)

NEW IN MUSIC: The GOSPEL TRUTH

Gospel/Christian NEW/RECENTLY RELEASED MATERIAL:

1. Brian Courtney Wilson released his project last week entitled, "So Proud".  I'm going to coin him as the "gospel crooner" because he is incredibly consistent and always delivers a decent project with notable hits.

2. LeAndria Johnson, winner of Sunday's Best 2010, comes with a 7-song project entitled "The Evolution of LeAndria Johnson".  Her coarse, raspy, soulful filled voice sends us RIGHT on IN live, and this project promises nothing less!

Gospel/Christian UPCOMING:

1.  With the new album entitled, "I Win", noted pastor/songwriter/singer Marvin Sapp is releasing his sixth album on March 3, 2012.  GRAB IT!  Myron Butler and crew did the production and you are going to want to get this one if you like his music.  Special shoutout to my friend, Isaiah Templeton - a new background singer for Pastor Sapp.  Congrats man!

2. First Lady Andrea Helms, runner up in Season 4's Sunday's Best competition releases her debut album entitled "Moving Forward" March 3rd as well.  With such purity and vocal prowess, I believe Helms will give us a great project.   If you are in the Dallas METROPLEX... she will be at my church - Concord Church TONIGHT! 

3. J.J. Harriston and Youthful Praise will drop their project on March 27, 2012, "After This".  I've heard a few songs on this project and Youthful Praise gives is great production and a more mature sound than we are used to from them.  I think this is going to be one of the greatest Gospel group projects of the year.  Radio loves Youthful Praise and I know you will be singing some of this material at church on Sunday morning. 

J. Valentine feat. Chris Brown

I personally enjoy J. Valentine's vibe.  After "She's Worth the Trouble" and Tank's "I'm On My Way"... I feel his stuff, it always has a groove to it.  And this joint could start your Valentine's Day night off pretty nice.  Check it out!

http://download.im1music.net/?link=http://mp3zee.com/ba8r9dqfqo2e


Kalenna - another 1/3 of Dirty Money recently released her mixtape Chamber of Diaries.  She brings a nice edge to the pop-sound.   Let me know how you like it.

http://www.mediafire.com/?wv0jbe2ljgk9ezn

Speak INTO the MIC!

Welcome to Mic'd UP!  This is THEE KeyboardK1dd just trying to make the world a more interesting place by reporting on your favorite award shows and giving you good music.  If there is something that you think that I should check out - feel free to drop me a comment/note or email me at kpcullors@gmail.com ...

All up and coming artists -- please forward your information and a copy of your projects, and I would love to link them on this page as well as do a full review of your project - free of charge.  I support good stuff, and I will definitely let you read the post before I make it public.  If you need my credentials, just holla at me.  I'm a qualified critic

Support this blog and tell ya people about it.  I want to support a real music movement.  Enjoy what is on the site!  There will be more to come!

Download of the Day:
Raheem DeVaughn is back at it.  You know he always does something nice for the people... and especially on a lover's day, it's something you wanna grab real quick.  Check out this free download.

http://www.datpiff.com/Raheem-Devaughn-Destination-Loveland-mixtape.301232.html


NOTABLE MENTION:

I have to support one of the most unique voices that is currently trying to make some noise.  Ms. Dawn Richard - formally of Dirty Money and Danity Kane is DOPE!  And you know she needs our help to support her music.  You know how Diddy likes to kill careers...

Dawn Richard - Change

http://www.hulkshare.com/zkxu4tcht5xz

2012 Grammy Recap

As usual, the Grammy’s highlighted this past year’s events and paid tribute to music.  You would have to be blind and incapable of decoding information if you could not understand the profound impact of death and its LARGE toll on the Recording Academy. They’ve adopted a slogan that is some variation of “we do this together” that encourages artists to work together and support one another, while simultaneously encouraging fans and consumers to support artists’ work with their resources (money). Although it meant well,  I think that this slogan is a little LATE… but at least they acknowledge the downward spiral.  I think they optimistic about the future of music -- but I am certainly unsure if they know the real effects in the outside world. 

OK -- so my commentary for the performances!!! I know you all have been waiting on it! (They're not in order... so if you wanna read certain parts look for the BOLD and UNDERLINED headings)

First – the way LL Cool J opened the show with the prayer… I was impressed. I know that was something that he personally HAD to advocate for. The Recording Academy was probably a little loose because they considered Whitney’s background, the mood of the audience, and because LL is generally a good guy – they knew that they were not going to get any foolishness. But I believe that they made him write that prayer DOWN. LOL! Recording Academy don’t play that!

I also have to give respect for the Recording Academy allowing a RAPPER to host this one. They normally don’t take chances… it doesn’t matter what form of RAP the performer engages, RAP makes people nervous. Behind a mic, controlling the pace of the show – a rapper could be a loose cannon… and you probably have to pray that they can read. Fortunately, LL did his thing and kept to the script. So there is HOPE for other rappers.

HIGHLIGHTS of the EVENING:

ADELE. That is a complete sentence. She CLEANED up! In the words of contemporary music producer-giant, Aaron Lindsey – “she won Grammys with not one riff, gyration, or nakedness #NUFFsaid.” I totally think the aforementioned comment wraps her up quite accurately. The girl has an amazing voice, she’s incredibly transparent and she doesn’t have to “WOW” you with theatrics… her voice does it for you. I believe that Adele will usher in the era of the REAL SINGER COMEBACK. Mark my words – you will see that the American critical public enjoys the entertainment piece, but especially after the deaths of such music giants in the past few years – WE WANNA HEAR PEOPLE SING AGAIN. No disrespect to any entertainer, but in the VERY NEAR FUTURE - the most successful artists will EMPLOY public relations that focus on their voices, the purity of their creations and transparency. As much as we like a train-wrecked pop star, it’s being overdone and we tired!

“The Whitney Tribute(s)” – Let me say this NOW so people get it. The Recording Academy is made up of some of the most brilliant music minds and marketing minds of 3 generations. Reason being: you cannot get a group of successful multi-millionaires to believe in a small brass and wood structure – being dumb or inefficient with marketing resources. They have successfully marketed the award – Grammy – and the show to be “the biggest night in music” and “the highest honor bestowed on an artist” … as such – they were NOT going to do a Tribute to Whitney with 26 hours of prep time HALF ASS. I’m sorry – you were not going to get much more than a LL Cool J prayer, a harmonica blip of Stevie Wonder, and a 90-second Jennifer Hudson number. In fact, I think that they left the responsibility of giving a tribute to Viacom. Now THIS is where fans need to be concerned. As you know , Viacom TRIED to do a tribute with both MTV and BET to Michael Jackson – and we ALL had commentary about that. The Grammy’s cannot afford to tarnish their name with a poor tribute or a snub to all the other artists that have died. They highlighted Whitney, while respecting the rest of the artists who have gone on. That, ladies and gentleman, is THE SAFEST ROUTE. I don’t knock ‘em. I would’ve done the SAME thing. Now, I would NOT have chosen that particular song (or that person) to do a tribute. I’d much rather hear her sing “I Have Nothing”, Tamia sing “I Will Always Love You, or one of these individuals come and do SOMETHING: Kim Burrell, Patti LaBelle, Stevie Wonder, Kelly Price, Ledisi, etc. (SIDENOTE: Tamia sang “I Will Always Love You” and Quincy Jones signed her on the spot – and we know he KNOWS music.) WE KNEW Jennifer was gonna do it – she is Clive’s new girl. And Whitney was Clive’s girl period. And Clive Davis has a LOT of power in the Recording Academy… the man knows star talent. Unfortunately, we were subjected to what we got – watching Jennifer and her lace front do the best that she could.

Bonnie Raitt and Alicia Keys…. Alicia should’ve just sat there and looked good. That’s my 2nd wife and all… but WHEN Bonnie opened her mouth – I knew it was curtains for Alicia. Bonnie Raitt is the originator of sooo many songs, and SHE SINGS. I know you all think that Tank wrote “I Can’t Make You Love Me”… nope, he didn’t! That was Bonnie – YEARS ago!! She is the definition of blue-eyed soul. Ole girl GOES!!! As an artist – you have to know your lane… and there is no way I would have tried to do ANYTHING other than keep the melody line when I’m sitting next to a great like Bonnie.

Another simple sentence for you: Tony Bennett got swag. (And I hate the word swag) … his performance and his stee-lo is off the charts.

Katy Perry and her Magnum rapper inspired outfit was good. I’m not gonna lie, she does it for me. She does what I think Rhianna and Lady Gaga attempt to do – but she does it well. She does it without making it feel ultra weird for her audience. I liked her performance!

Rhianna – Her performance wasn’t bad. But sweetie, rolling around on the ground, attempting to prove that you can sing and your head looks like a wet mop – it just isn’t sexy. I got what she was going for. She was trying to capture the industrial look with group dance. Like she was attempting to edge and sexiness on a Janet Jackson inspired Rhythm Nation mode. I got it! And it wasn’t that Rhianna did horrible, it was that she went too far with it. And the bed-head look was distracting. Although I’m not a fan of Rhi Rhi, I respect what she does. Ole girl keeps her writing team busy, because she’s hot right now. And some of these hits she churns out are actually pretty catchy. Rhianna fans – WORD OF LIFE FOR YOU: the sooner you realize that she is not a singer, the quicker you will understand that real musicians ain’t hating on her, we just state the obvious. Her sex appeal has nothing to her ability. She is an entertainer… nothing more, nothing less.

Sir Paul McCartney – that dude has a catalogue of music!!! And he was fly. That white jacket… I need to have that one in my arsenal. LOL! Another classic performance by a class act. His guitarist was SICK!!! I love when acoustic instruments master the art of accompaniment.

The Beach Boys with Maroon 5 – first off, BIG SHOUTOUT to my boy P.J. Morton on keys. I always like to people do unexpected things. And PJ has definitely done some different things in 2011-2012. However, the harmonies that the Beach Boys have at this age #EPIC. Other than the fact that some of them look like they are knocking at death’s door, they have an excellent chemistry and their harmonies are extremely rich. People don’t THINK in harmony like that. If you sing with any group or do tracks on your own that employ complex harmonies – you need to research people like The Beach Boys and the Carpenters…

Chris Brown – there’s MUCH I have to say about him and the Grammy’s. First, his performance was a little lackluster as far as the music is concerned. He didn’t do a song that had been pumped into the airwaves and OVERPLAYED, so some felt disconnected with the song. But the boy can DANCE. Like Chris was killing it – dancing on them Legos. Now – he did win an award that I saw quite a few people perturbed about: Best R&B album. And then he was nominated for “Best Rap Collaboration”. Let me take the time and explain this to you:

There is a marketing scheme behind genre categorization. We as consumers are more strategic about how we differentiate musical genres. The Recording Academy is not as discriminatory. The lines are very blurred between R&B and Pop in many cases. Too much soul in a pop album swings one over into the R&B category. And the truth is that F.A.M.E. is a mixture of both Pop and R&B. When you don’t know what to do with it – let R&B have it. In that respect, I don’t see how anyone else in that category could have won. Kelly Price and DeBarge had good albums but they weren’t spectacular. Really – R&B didn’t do much in 2011. We kinda took a break. We released songs here and there, but there wasn’t really a stand-out project by any mainstream artists. The same thing that worked FOR Chris in that category – worked against him in the rap collaboration category.

Now personally, “Otis” did NOT bang to me the way that “Look At Me Now”. That song just went. The truth: Busta MADE that song slap. Chris played a very little part. Marketing-wise: Weezy could release some BS and it would smack. So bringing him in on the track was a marketing move… and then Busta adds the stank on anything he’s in. Busta doesn’t have to TRY to be relevant like MOST artists do on features. Between T.I., Ludacris, and Busta – I don’t know any other rappers that can come out of NOWHERE and do a feature on a single and it be hot! Unfortunately, the Recording Academy does not recognize “Hip Hop” as a category; it just subsumes into rap.

Bruno Mars and his Jackie Wilson nouveau is okay. I see what he does, give him a nod and move on. I need to see some more depth from him. His performance was high energy that was needed at the time.

Taylor Swift… before I go IN… let me say that I enjoy the lyricism of country music. I love Lady Antebellum, Dixie Chicks, Rascall Flats and Kenny Chesney. They bring HEAT! I just don’t get the hype behind Taylor Swift – and I secretly HOPED that Kanye would come out of the back and do something ignorant during her performance. But one reason why I didn’t like the song is because I HATE the banjo. Ugh… I feel the same way about a banjo as I do the abundance of tambourines in a COGIC church all playing TOGETHER during a praise break. UGHHHHHH!!! The banjo is just irritates my soul. But her voice has no spectacular value to me and she sounds average. Plus all her Beverly Hillbillies inspired fit needed was some mud on her face – and the image would’ve been complete.

All and All – it was the Night of Adele. I think that no one will ever replace Whitney, however – we have an acceptable form in Adele. I can’t wait til she comes out with more stuff. No major mishaps … WELL I guess you want me to say something about Nicki…

Well - I like how the Grammy’s just CUT when she got done and tried to make us forget that it happened. But I know we were all in a state of shock wondering what happened. I didn’t know whether to call the psych hospital or go find Bishop Jakes or the Pope. I think that the performance may hurt her fan base because it was just TOO out there. We weren’t prepared for that. Too much religious symbolism mixed with illumaniti conspiracy theorists made this performance something that we didn’t want to comment to heavily upon. I mean, we expect Nicki to do different things but I knew we were set up for the okie-doke when she came in looking like Little Red Riding Hoodrat. SMH… (by the way… thanks for the 85 retweets off of that comment. LOL!) Ahh well… I just have one question, “What in the hell were you thinkin Nicki?”