New Music 10/29/2012

I have come across some good music lately and decided to share.


Usually, I wouldn't post this song - but I like it.  I think Q is doing some good singing on this, and it suits the mood that he's trying to create.  I wish that he would link up with a production team and really produce some music for other artists.  I think he's pigeonholed himself and just can't get out of the Atlanta circuit for whatever reason, but I definitely would like to see some greater work from him.  Here you guys go, "Yes"



I enjoy Daley's music.  If you have not gotten a chance to pick up his EP, you need to.  He is an incredibly talented artist, who manages to link up with other artists of his artistic caliber! He and Marsha Ambrosius KILLED "Alone Together", and now and Jessie J have linked up to produce this hit, "Remember Me".  The energy in this song is nothing short of amazing and captivating.  The visuals are a little "outta there" but I think it is creative, nonetheless. (Shoutout to our friends over at ThisisRnB.com for posting this one!)


Willie Taylor is back at it too.  I told you all a few weeks ago about his new mixtape, and this song is just one of the joints off that.  He teamed up with vocal giant and iconic riff master Mr. TANK on this track.  Hit play, and let the music speak to you.

New Music... 10/25/2012

I apparently missed this one back in August... however Wish has a new mixtape. Her vocals bear a striking resemblance to Keri Hilson (and so do her looks), but this is a decent mixtape AND if you like "One Night Stand" feat Chris Brown by Keri Hilson, you will like this project. Titled, "Me Against Her", Wish will make you groove this fall.

Upon first hearing this joint, I was hooked into it.  I like this side of Chrisette Michele... it seems carefree and plays to her vocal strengths.  It's almost trance like... and it's featuring 2CHAINZ!!!




... one more something to check out.  This cat Rashad has a nice lil' mixtape out  He is definitely not new to the game.  Having been in the game for over a decade, Rashad has made a name for himself behind-the-scenes.  Finding his new stardom and his own niche in R&B music, he's come out with his own EP.  Download and streme his project with my friends at Singersroom.com

New Music... 10/19/2012

Brandy Fans and STANS... this track needs no introduction.  "Scared of Beautiful".



Lloyd ain't playing around with this... sounds like he is coming with some throwback flavor too.  He has a new project due out soon for the mixtape heads.  Definitely consider coppin' this project!




This was JUST done last night.  And it gave me goosebumps... AHHHHH!!! India.arie sends some extra special love to Brandy by singing "He Is"... I believe Brandy comes in on the last few seconds of this joint and just makes my day.  Hope you enjoy!!

Old Drafts that hadn't posted... 10/17

It's not everyday that people put me on new artists, but I definitely got put on a new artist (Shoutout to my bro Will!) ... this Lucille Ghatti... she's the truth.  I had encountered some of her work previously, but I had no idea that she had such creative genius!  It's refreshing to see the picture that an artist lyrically and musically paints.  I definitely was impressed with her work, and even more impressed with the liberty - yet deliberateness in which she let us experience what she has to offer.  If you are looking for a mixtape to download, I highly recommend, getting this "High Grade 2: In the Sky with Diamonds".

Lucille Ghatti - "High Grade 2: In the Sky with Diamonds"

It is official... if you haven't seen the new video treatment for Ciara's "I'm Sorry", you need to.  In fact, I'm posting the link to it.  But beyond the video... I think that this is a great song for her, and especially so since she hasn't put anything out in awhile.  I think she has more versatility in this song becuase she's not giving you the consistent one-note, one-dimensional dance hit.  She's actually showing some passion and the lyrics composition is good too.  I think that her personal connection with the song makes it a win for me, and I think that you would like it too.  Check it out below...



This song is a few months old... but Angie Stone gave us more reasons to love her in her latest song, "Do What U Gotta Do".   I think this song will also be on the R&B Divas album.  But check it out... I know I love the acoustic groove she got going in this one.  Makes me just bob my head...

New Music 10/08/2012

It has been awhile since I've blogged about new music.  However, I have to share this one with you.  Marcus Canty, who I've blogged about before has new music that is floating around the internet... and I like the vibe of this song.  He sounds a bit like Mario -- but still, this song goes!




Yeah... and this video - although you all have already probably seen it... is Faith Evans SINGING DOWN!!  Love her and glad that she's made a triumphant return back to music.




Another repeat artist on this blog is making great music.  Kameron Corvet is just a voice that you can't go without hearing.  He just has that "it" factor, and all of his music that I've heard is substantive and worth rotation in your nearest mp3 playing device.  Check out this new joint he has below!




Sure she might be dramatized a little bit, and his voice may not be your "cup of tea", but this duet with Bobby V. and K. Michelle rocks.  Whatever the circumstances surrounding her career halt a few years back, definitely is being used to propel her towards a bright future.  Bobby may have won with this track, because it makes me think of Sunday Night Slow Jams back in the late 90's and early 2000s... if you don't believe it, just listen to this song, "Put It In".




And... anybody that knows me well... knows that I fully support and am rooting for THE Dawn Richard.  I like this joint, "86".  I love how she is able to blend that 80's pop sound with intricately woven harmonies reminiscent (while paying homage to) Brandy of the Rodney Jerkins era.





Well... last but definitely not least... I just happened upon this underrated and under-marketed mixtape that some of you may be interested in.  Remember Willie from Day26?  Well he has a new mixtape... if you don't have the 1st one, you might wanna pick it up.  He has some decent stuff on there.  The lyrical content reminds me of R. Kelly - during and just after - Public Announcement.  Straight and to the point... you know it's an after-the-club scenario. In any case, check out this new project.  Perhaps post-Day26 this dude can do something!

Willie (formerly of Day26) Taylor - The Reintroduction of Willie Taylor

New Music

As an amazing voice as a child, Sammie has grown up and experienced highs and lows of the R&B genre's support.  However, as an adult -- he has had some successful mixtapes.  With the newest installment, Sammie is pouring out his heart in this love ballad.  This is a nice joint!  Check out, "Insomnia". 



Go cop that new TAMIA album.  She is ONE of my favorite female vocalists of all time.  There is something incredibly sweet about her voice, and I am a supporter.  Beautiful Surprise is available on iTunes and in most major stores.  I've never been disappointed before by Tamia, and it looks like it will be the same for this one too.

A few months ago, I blogged about this young Def Jam artist, Marcus Canty, and now you have avideo featuring Wale for his latest song, "In and Out".  Check it out below!




I got a download for y'all too.  The music scene is full of them this time of year.  This young artist, August Alsina got some stuff on it that I think you may like.  His subject matter is a bit edgy for R&B but I think you will enjoy the entire mixtape.   Find the link below for the album, and check out one of the songs that like of his "Sucka" in this video. 

August Alsina - “August Alsina University: School of Hard Knocks"

Got some more for you...

Not that many of you care, but for the sake of conversation... Jake & Papa (formerly of the group Brutha) have a new mixtape out.  As a semi fan of Brutha, I was surprised to find out that the three older brothers left the group to persue other projects, and now -- we have this mixtape.  Let me know what your thoughts are.  I definitely can appreciate the effort!

New Music 8/28

I love the texture of this artist right here.  Bridget Kelly is a new signee of Roc Nation and she already has a name for herself as a great performer.  If any of you have been into Jay-Z shows when he performed "Empire State of Mind", you may have heard her voice.  PERSONALLY, I think I would have preferred her over Alicia Keys, but hey... that's just my opinion.  But this song, I like the feel of it.  Good job and thank you for this "Special Delivery".



As always, I enjoy my dude Dwele's music.  He just has some real chill music and it always seems to fit my mood.  This new song, "Obey", from his upcoming albumis definitely one for the music heads.  Such a clean feel to it, and is slow-jam worthy.



Now I HAVE to shout my people over at ThisisRnB.com because I been waiting to hear a track from these two for awhile.  But KeKe Wyatt and Avant have teamed up again for a new song.  And it is 2012's "Nothing I Would Do" and "My First Love".  Now as crazy as KeKe is on the new show (and is one of my favorite characters) R&B Divas I adore her voice.  She is AMAZING and does some tricks in this song, especially at 2:40 -- she gives us LIFE!

New Music 8/21

Hey y'all!

Got some new music... I like this new stuf from Lucille Ghatti.  She has a emo approach to R&B/soul genre.  It's a feminine approach to guys like Frank Ocean with a bit of a Keri Hilson flavor to it.  It's truly unique and I think you will like it too.



... and I got some new music from our girl Ms. Brandy Norwood.  I like this!  Of course, I'm a fan ... but this ain't that hair-raising "oh-my-God-did-she-just-merk-that-this-is-EPIC-and-catapults-her-into-uber-stardom" kinda joint.  But definitely good to hear something new of hers ... this album is slated to be one of the best of this year.


Latest tracks by 4everbrandy

BEST Male Vocalists - Keynote Version

There are times in a lifetime that you encounter voices that take you on musical journeys like you've never felt before.  The voices express a movement, a feeling, a place in time -- and every time you hear the voices, it takes you back to that moment.  If the particular voice is powerful enough, you glean new experiences each time you hear a song by them.  I think that humankind has been blessed with several voices that are special for different reasons.  When I say "BEST" -- let me be clear... these are my opinions FIRST and FOREMOST. Secondly, many vocalists are also songwriters and instrumentalists that may or may not make the lists.  My reasons are based solely on the vocal ability, tone, and versatility.  There are vocalists that are great at their craft, but for many reasons - they don't make my particular list.  So hear are MY top 10... (not in any particular order)

1. Donny Hathaway

He is THE vocal stylist.  He was able to do - sitting down on a piano and singing - what most artists cannot do standing up entertaining.  Donny is the quintessential vocalist.  Every time someone attempts one of his songs, I cringe.  Donny's signature songs are cuts that most people would NEVER record and feel good about it because Donny has done it THE best.  Songs like "A Song For You" and "Giving Up" are timeless.  And you cannot even hear the songs without hearing his voice.  There are many imitators, but this man was light years beyond his time.  And to ADD to it - he was diagnosed with schizophrenia.  He had some mental issues that none of us will ever understand, YET he created the blueprint for riffs, runs and cascades.  He is the definition of SOUL.  And then he passed his gift to his daughter (who is the most underrated artist PERIOD), Lalah Hathaway. 

2. Stevie Wonder

Stevie has aged, and yet he still hasn't lost it.  He performs, he plays, he writes and he sings and he does it ALL blind. His songs, like Donny have OFTEN been redone.  There are some that are acceptable to cover, but Stevie got some songs that people DARE not go after.  Stevie is the epitome of artistry. There is no one that I can think of that has a more extensive catalogue than he does.  His range, his tone and his placement are incredible. There are not enough words to describe the gift that is Stevie.

3. Marvin Gaye

Marvin was just so smooth.  He provided an iconic soundtrack to a tumultuous era.  What makes Marvin catapult on to this list is that he was incredibly intentional as a vocal stylist.  His music demonstrated an ironic contrast to his subject matter.  He painted a picture, conveyed the emotion of a time in songs like "What's Goin On?" without being forceful.  He lulled his listeners into the warmth of his voice.  Simply,  Marvin KEPT the mood always smooth and his music never gets old.  People will continue to cover and sample his material because it just feels right. 

4. Daryl Coley

This man changed the sound of gospel music in the 1980s. Daryl Coley mastered the art of captivation and technique in his singing style.  With control, proper breathing, and incredible range, Coley was one of the most visible male artists whether he was releasing a project or he was being featured on someone else's project.  Unlike many male gospel vocalists of his time and even now, Daryl coupled training with gifting which has separated him from most vocalists in his genre.

5. Frank McComb

There are people that try to do runs and riffs to wow audiences, and there are people who naturally have inflections and are not trying to "wow" you - that's just who they are.  And Frank McComb's voice is like WATER!  I mean it is so smooth - and the texture is just so tranquil.  There are moments in his songs where he hums better than most people can sing.  It's nothing short of amazing.  Furthermore, Frank McComb sings EVERYTHING.  He is not limited to genre, and it sounds fresh regardless.  He is like a modern-day Donnie mixed with the funk of Stevie Wonder.  I mean, he is the TRUTH!

6. Nat King Cole

I think Nat King Cole is phenomenal.  Yes, he was a jazz pianist and guitarist - but he is a master vocalist.  He made baritone just sound cool.  I like Nat because he just made it sound so smooth. His tone and the clarity of WHAT he is singing is paramount.  Nat didn't have autotune or digital devices to make sure he was on key - but this guy was incredibly accurate and I love that he is so intentional.  As a singer, he takes you on a vocal voyage where you can picture his words, no matter the song.

7. Frank Sinatra

Frank just could sing anything.  His voice was devoid of genre constraints as many artists.  Although most people prefer his ballads and how he kept everything simple and pure, Frank had chops and often showed his skill as a vocalist live.  Furthermore, Frank had the ability to sing different tempos with the same intentionality - which is incredibly difficult for people who are labeled as balladeers. I personally love Frank's depth.  Listening to a Frank record allows you to hear it anew every listen.

8. Jason Nelson

I'm a fan of this guy.  He makes singing look so effortless.  And the way he articulates a complex run is nothing short of amazing.  Jason Nelson, twin brother of gospel phenom artist Jonathan Nelson (who is an incredible writer, and can give you priceless moments of vocal greatness), is such an influence. The texture of his voice is just awe-striking.  His great tone and great runs are accompanied with clarity... just amazing.

9. Tank

This man really needs no introduction and no explanation on why he makes the list.  I think that Tank's vocal abilities are so underrated because of popular culture's fascination with dance crazes current ambivalence to the ballad.  Tank is multifaceted in that he is able to adjust his vocal style to what the song requires.  It is amazing to me that he has the ability to run, growl, sing in his head/falsetto, chest voice, and be both aggressive and have finesse.  He's just all-around a gifted singers.  Most guys that are singers want to have his ability even if they don't necessarily want to sound like him.

10. Tonex/B.Slade

Say what you want... but Tonex/B.Slade is giant of a vocalist.  Having the most range on this list, this guy is an innovator.  His approach to singing is so unique because he always thinking of new ways to interpret music.  True - he does have an edge because he's a trained vocalist, but who would have thought of bringing yodeling to gospel.  Vocal quality is stellar, and his power is hair-raising. 
CLOSE CONTENDERS

- Eric Benet

Phenomenally consistent!  Effortless singer.

- Brian McKnight

For all the Brian fans that think he should have made the list... I'm sorry.  He was a close contender.  I'm just not convinced he's as great of a singer as he is a great songwriter.  He has great moments, but I've heard Brian songs sang better by other people.

- Fred Hammond

Fred is a bad boy.  However, like Brian, I think his songwriting skills trump his vocal ability.  Being in Dallas, hearing Fred live a few times - I know he is a voice to be reckoned with.  I think his ability is somewhat limited and shadowed by grooving yet simple melodies.  I haven't heard Fred sing anything difficult or something that no one else could sing.

- Luther Vandross

I love Luther.  His songs were amazing and will never be sang like that ever again.  75% of Luther songs could have been hits had he chosen them.  A truly great soul singer that changed male ballads in the 80's and 90's.

- R. Kelly

Say what you will about Robert Kelly, but the man can SING!  And he has proven it live time and time again.  Personally, he didn't make the top ten list because I think the other people sing better. But R. Kelly is still worthy of a mention.