Whitney Houston- Swarovski Fashion Rocks

Whitney Houston closing the Swarovski Fashion Rocks charity event.
Work it Girl!

Mary J. Blige- Album Release Party: Dream Big!!

I had the privilege of being invited to attend Mary J. Blige's star studded album release party at Manhattan's upscale Soho Grand last night. All of the cameras flashed outside, but inside was another story. How was it that, I rode the up elevator with John Legend and Mario, directly after Tank exited the same; Maxwell stood a few feet a way. My head went back and forth looking at the bevvy of celebrities in attendance. I actually touched the rich fur that covered Ms. Patti, and was within arms length from Mary.
As she sat talking to LL's wife Simone and Al Reynolds who tried to talk her ear off, you could see that she was tired but joyful, gracious, and human. I didn't want to ruin the calm excitement that filled the room and my spirit with an intrusive camera flash. Instead I can hold onto the memories as they keep me moving forward on my journey.
I know that Mary never knew that she would have a party in her honor with the likes of Woody Allen celebrating her. Just like I never knew that I would even be in the room with, much less interview some of my favorite artists. Well actually I did know, and Mary probably did too...deep down inside.

Never Stop! You never know where your Dreams will take you.
Dream Big & Work Hard...
Merry Christmas!
SDM

Growing Pains- In Stores Now
Come To Me (Peace)

More Mary

JANET JACKSON TO RELEASE “FEEDBACK” – DEBUT SINGLE AT ISLAND DEF JAM MUSIC GROUP, IMPACTS JANUARY 7th

LEAD TRACK FROM DISCIPLINE – IDJ DEBUT ALBUM, SET FOR FEBRUARY 26th RELEASE


“Feedback” produced by Rodney Jerkins – other producers on new album include Jermaine Dupri, Ne-Yo, Stargate, Tricky Stewart, and The-Dream


Janet Jackson currently starring in Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married? , #1 box office smash

(December 13, 2007 – New York, NY) International megastar Janet Jackson, who has sold over 100 million albums worldwide and is the newest signing to the Island Def Jam Music Group, has completed her first new single for the label with hitmaking producer Rodney Jerkins. “Feedback” will impact across-the-board at all radio formats on January 7th.

DISCIPLINE, Janet Jackson’s new album – and the 10th studio album of her career – is scheduled to arrive in stores on February 26th. In addition to Rodney Jerkins, the new album brings together an A-list of guest producers, including Jermaine Dupri, Ne-Yo, Stargate, Tricky Stewart, and The-Dream. DISCIPLINE was executive produced by Antonio “L.A.” Reid, Chairman, Island Def Jam Music Group.

In a class all by herself, 5-time Grammy Award-winning and Oscar-nominated Janet Jackson is currently starring in Why Did I Get Married?, the smash hit movie by Tyler Perry, which opened #1 at the box office. This is the third motion picture of Janet’s career, and her third to open at #1, following the success of Nutty Professor II: The Klumps (2000), and her leading title role in John Singleton’s Poetic Justice (1993).

Erykah Talks about Honey & New Album titled Titled "Nu AmErykah"

Watch Erykah introduce herself, 'Honey', and the new album......




New Album "Nu AmErykah" In stores February 26th

Daniel Merriweather- Steps Out on His Own

Well Almost...Mark Ronson's Goldenboy Daniel Merriweather is readying himself for his debut album that will be produced by Ronson. Take a listen to the first single 'Chainsaw'
Looks like Ronson is sticking to his winning old soul formula (Amy Winehouse- Back II Black). I Like!

More Daniel

The Perfect Holiday

I couldn't resist this clip. Enjoy!

Cookies & Milk



Synopsis
An African American take on the classic and beloved Christmas family film, THE PERFECT HOLIDAY tells the story of Nancy (Union), a divorced mother of three who is so busy raising her children that she’s forgotten to take care of herself as well. With Christmas fast approaching, she decides to take her kids to the mall to meet Santa Claus, not knowing that her youngest daughter Emily (Khail Bryant) has sensed her mother’s sadness and is determined to use her time with Santa to make her mom happy again. Just a few days prior, Emily heard her mom say that all she wanted for Christmas was a compliment from a man, so that’s exactly what she tells Santa. Ironically, Santa (Chestnut) is an office supply salesman and struggling songwriter who ends up giving Nancy just what she wants for Christmas, and much, much more.

Directed by: Lance Rivera
Cast: Morris Chestnut, Gabrielle Union, Faizon Love, Terrence Howard, Queen Latifah, Charlie Murphy, Katt Williams, Jill Marie Jones, and Rachel True
Producers: Shakim Compere, Queen Latifah, Marvin Peart, Leifur B. Dagfinnsson, Mike Elliott, and Joseph P. Genier
Story by: Lance Rivera & Marc Calixte
Screenplay by: Lance Rivera & Marc Calixte and Nat Mauldin & Jeff Stein
Release Date: December 12, 2007
Release Pattern: Wide
Rating: PG

Michael Jackson works with Akon, Fergie, will.i.am & Kanye West for Thriller 25th Anniversary Edition Album Re-Release

EPIC RECORDS/LEGACY RECORDINGS UNVEIL
THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
OF MICHAEL JACKSON'S THRILLER
THE WORLD'S BIGGEST SELLING ALBUM OF ALL TIME

Newly Expanded Deluxe Edition of Multi-Platinum Grammy-Winning Album
With New & Previously Unreleased Bonus Tracks
Including Remixes By Akon, Fergie, will.i.am & Kanye West
+ Bonus DVD Featuring Digitally Restored Short Films
& Michael Jackson's Historic Breakout Performance
From "Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever" Television Broadcast

TRACKLISTING

Thriller: Original Tracklisting
1. "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" - (#5 Hot 100, #5 R&B)
2. "Baby Be Mine"
3. "The Girl Is Mine" (with Paul McCartney) - (#2 Hot 100, #1 R&B, #1 Adult Contemporary)
4. "Thriller" - (#4 Hot 10, #3 Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks)
5. "Beat It" - (#1 Hot 100, #1 R&B)
6. "Billie Jean" - (#1 Hot 100, #1 R&B, #9 A/C)
7. "Human Nature" - (#7 Hot 100, #2 Adult Contemporary)
8. "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" - (#10 Hot 100)
9. "The Lady in My Life"

Bonus Material
10. Vincent Price

Previously Unreleased Tracks For 25th Anniversary Edition
11. The Girl Is Mine 2008 with will.i.am*
12. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) 2008 with Michael Jackson and will.i.am*
13. Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' 2008 with Michael Jackson, Akon and will.i.am*
14. Beat It 2008 with Fergie*
15. Billie Jean 2008 with Kanye West*
16. For All Time (unreleased track from original Thriller sessions)*

Bonus DVD
The Videos
1. Thriller
2. Beat It
3. Billie Jean
4. Billie Jean performance from Motown 25: Yesterday, Today and Forever

Read More

New From Raheem DeVaughn- 'Customer'

Raheem Devaughn's new album 'Love Behind the Melody' is due in stores January 15th. Listen to his second release Customer

More Raheem

Mary J. Blige- 'Growing Pains' Listening Party NYC

Watch EXCLUSIVE footage of Mary J. Blidge at her listening party for 'Growing Pains' in NYC. Listen for snippets of the new album!



More Mary

Mary J. Blidge- 'Growing Pains' Endorsements & Appearances

Geffen Records superstar and hit-making songwriter Mary J. Blige, is set to follow-up the most successful album of her career, the triple platinum The Breakthrough, with her eighth (8th) studio CD Growing Pains on Tuesday, December 18th, one week before Christmas.

Growing Pains includes her top ten single “Just Fine” which has become an instant favorite on radio enjoyed by over 20 million listeners. “Just Fine” is in heavy rotation on MTV, BET and VH-1, and Mary recently shot the video for her second single, “Work That,” which is currently featured in an Apple iPod commercial.

After selling over 40 million CDs and garnering six Grammy Awards during her phenomenal 15-year career, Mary is confident that her fans will not be disappointed with Growing Pains. “They’re going to get a sense of what my state of mind is and how I view the world,” she says. “And hopefully, most of all, they’re going to hear just the sincere honesty and love that I have for them.” She adds, “Growing Pains represents accepting that there’s pain that goes along with growing and change. No pain, no gain.”


Growing Pains, with Mary co-writing most of the songs on the album, features guest appearances by Ludacris and Usher and production by The Neptunes, Jazze Pha, Johnta Austin, Neyo, Stargate, Bryan-Michael Cox, Dre and Vidal, Tricky, Dream, and Sean Garrett.

Mary makes her message loud, clear and seriously funky on the first release “Just Fine” produced by Jazze Pha and Tricky and co-written by Mary and Dream. A celebration of life, “Just Fine” gives you Mary fierce, and as the video shows, glamorous. The song’s vibe? “Sometimes it feels like you’re having this miserable time, like all 365 days of the year are tough. But then, you get one of those days; maybe when your hair is great, or you’re not stuck in traffic; where it’s a ‘just fine’ day. At some point,” Mary laughs, “You’ve got have one or two of those.”

The party and positivity keeps on keeping on with the rump shaking second single “Work That.” Mary comments, “When I meet a woman who doesn’t know what to do about her weight or her hair I always say – ‘whatever it is that you have, make that work for you, Work what you got.’”

After releasing her bestselling anthology Reflections last year, Growing Pains is Mary’s first CD of new material since The Breakthrough debuted at #1 in 2005, selling over 700,000 copies its first week -- the best opening week for a solo R&B female artist in SoundScan history. The album’s first single, “Be Without You,” also made chart history by holding down the #1 spot on the Billboard R&B charts for a record breaking 16 straight weeks; making it the longest-running No. 1 song on the R&B chart in over 40 years. Mary led all artists with eight 2007 Grammy nominations for the landmark album, and she took home honors for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, Best R&B Song (both for "Be Without You"), and Best R&B Album. After earning three Grammy Awards, she continued her award show domination by winning nine Billboard Music Awards, two American Music Awards, two BET Awards, two NAACP Image Awards, and a Soul Train Award. The Breakthrough lived up to its name selling over seven million copies worldwide.

You can witness the incredible magic of Mary J. Blige on television this week as she performs on “CNN Heroes: All All-Star Tribute” on December 6th and “Movies Rock!” on CBS on December 7th (both at 9 PM Eastern time).

Mary will also bring in 2008 on New Year’s Eve on MTV.

J. Holiday Videos- 'Suffocate'; 'Be With You'- In Case U Missed It

Watch J. Holiday's third video- 'Suffocate'

This song is cool, but it can't touch my Spotlight Pic: 'Be With You', produced by DarkChild. This was the first single, apparently, it did not set the world on Fire like 'Bed' but it is still my fav.

Kirk Franklin: The Fight of My Life Interview- "There’s nothing about what I try to do that is religious."

Kirk Franklin took time out of his busy schedule for a brief Press Junket, to discuss his upcoming album "The Fight of My Life"; due in stores December 18th. Read excerpts from the session where Kirk talks about his personal relationship with God and his definition of religion. Kirk also discusses how his life has changed since appearing on Oprah, and
what he would say to a budding musician in the ministry.
Click Here to see Kirk's Shout Out to SpotlightGrooves.com!


More Kirk


{Edited}
SDM: Hello, Kirk Franklin, how are you?

Kirk Franklin: I’m doing good, how are you doing?

SDM: I'm very good,..I have a few questions. Religion is under, I would say, attack right now, some people are upset about the commercialization of it, we’ve always had televangelism, but with the rise in the popularity of the Pastors and investigations into their finances and even your television show, 'Sunday Best', what is your take on that, on the commercialization of religion?

Kirk Franklin: Well, I feel the same way that other people feel. I don’t think that religion is even something that I’m even trying to endorse. There’s nothing about what I try to do that is religious. I’m not a religious person and you know, I’m, you know, a child of God, I’m a man who loves Jesus and that wonderful love relationship doesn’t birth anything religious inside of me, that it just develops this great relationship that I have with my heavenly father. Religion is a bunch of man made rules that kind of keeps people down, it keeps people in a prison, and so that’s not anything that I try to endorse. And trying to reach the masses in ways that they haven’t been reached before without compromising the message, I think, is very important, and I think that we all have to be very careful, including myself, that we never compromise truth for entertainment. And so, that’s why accountability is so important, to have a team of people around you that can hold your actions accountable, to make sure that the message and the integrity of the message is never lost.


SDM: That is great to hear. For your last album, 'Hero', you appeared on Oprah and I wondered, how did your life change after that? You were very open in discussing some very personal issues. People go on Oprah and apparently their lives change. Did your life change, and in what way?

Kirk Franklin: Well, I was invited to come because of several years of me sharing my story within the church community. So, for me, it was this continuation of a testimony that I’ve been giving for about 6 years. For the people that knew me, they already knew because I’d been sharing my testimony for years; for the people who didn’t know me, I think that {they} we’re so used to people being exposed because they chose to be exposed. When a person exposes himself, they don’t always know how to receive it. And so, you know, it’s always going to be people that love you for that and there’s going to be people that feel like, you know, "whatever is going on at home, stays at home", and that’s been a demise especially to the African American community. Look at how many people in our community suffer because we didn’t share those things. You know, we knew of things that were going on in our families, with our family members, but because we don’t talk and because we were taught not to talk, people died quietly. I’m just very, proud that I tried to fight it.


Writer: The title of your album is 'The Fight of My Life', so what would you say is the biggest fight of your life? And what would be your advice to someone who was going through the biggest fight of their life?

Kirk Franklin: What I would just say, man, life is going to always be a battle and there's always going to be a struggle; and so, you know, what we have to do is we have to always remember that we don’t have to fight this battle by ourselves. That the battle is not ours, it’s going to be proven that, Christ is going to give us the victory, man and we don’t have to live in fear.


Writer: Wonderful. Now, you’ve broken a lot of barriers in gospel music, but you’ve also faced criticism, because you’ve come out with more contemporary fans. What would you say would be your biggest criticism, and how did you respond to that?

Kirk Franklin: Well, you know, it’s just people questioning my motives and my heart, you know. A lot of times it’s hard when people question my motives and my heart, and whenever people do that, you know, that’s always been hurtful. I just always want to live a life that’s really honest and true. But, you know, that’s going to come and I’ve had to just accept that and just learn how to take it.


Writer: When you have a great catalog that’s kind of building – when you have done, like, six, seven, albums, how do you make it so you’re not just saying something similar . Do you kind of respond to different things your going thru during that time ; is each recording, sort of a reflection of where your walk is, at that time? How do you make it so it’s unique, so people, are not like, well he kind of said that same thing back in 95 or something?

Kirk Franklin: You know, for me, I am just a firm believer that every song and every gift is, you know, every good and perfect gift is from above, and so, if it’s from above, then all I have to do is just stay connected to him, and if I stay connected to the one who gives the gift, then I don’t have to worry about trying to figure out what to say, all I have to do is to stay connected. And as I stay connected, you know, God has promised that he’ll speak what he wants to speak through me.


Writer: What kind of advice would you give to an up and coming person who feels the call to do, sort of, what I would call, a musical ministry? Besides just obviously listening to the spirit, what would you say, in terms of how to make a difference in music, for someone, who’s maybe 20 years old, saying, "hey, I feel this calling, I’m a musician, and this is what I want to do"?

Kirk Franklin: What I would say is that the first thing that you should do is to weigh the costs and to be able to see if this is something you really can commit your life to. That there are things – so many people are so jaded that the last thing we need is another half hearted soldier. Let’s try to take another gun and try to fight a war that in the middle of it, they’re going to get tired of it and walk away from, that I think the people have to really count the costs of what this is. You know, the cross is heavy, man, and you know, trust me, man, I’d be making more money if I was like some mainstream rapper, you know. I talk about Jesus, and because I talk about Jesus, there are a lot of doors that get slammed in my face. There are a lot of opportunities, you know, that I don’t get because I’m that Jesus dude. So, if you’re not in it to win it, you’re going to walk away. I have to make a decision everyday on who do I love more, him or me?

De La Soul, LL Cool J- Jam Master Jay Awards

The Ballroom was Packed Thursday as Rap Legends Paid Homage to an Innovator.

Check out video footage of De la Soul performing hits including "Buddy" and "Ooh"



LL Jumped on stage with EPMD

ERYKAH BADU Returns with New Single, "HONEY"

"HONEY" Audio
Universal Motown's multi-platinum-selling, Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter/actress Erykah Badu returns to the music limelight with her debut single "Honey." Laced with Erykah's bluesy grit and MC style vocals, the song is bolstered by producer's 9th Wonder's razor sharp hip hop beats. Badu describes the song as "an old school track with some funk on it."
Praise for the single is already rolling in, with tastemaker DJs in NY, Chicago, Dallas and other cities already declaring their love for the innovative song.
The recent release of "Honey" on November 20th also marks Badu's 10th year in the music industry. To celebrate, the gifted trendsetter prepares the release of her much anticipated new album on her birthday, February 26th. Badu has enlisted some of the most talented, groundbreaking underground producers and engineers in the hip-hop game to support her breakthrough return, including Grammy Award winning producer 9th Wonder (Jay-Z, Nas, Mary J. Blige), Madlib, Mike "Chav" Chavarria and R&B singer Bilal. A special, 12-inch pink wax edition will be available only to DJ's next month and will feature album tracks, "The Healer" and "Real Thing."
"The music is the star," says Erykah, "I just laid down my vocals and let the music breathe while the melodies tell the stories."
Erykah Badu, a Dallas native emerged in 1997 with her masterpiece debut album Baduizm as a primal force of nature connecting old school soul with contemporary R&B. The album garnered her numerous award nominations, pulling 2 coveted Grammys (Best Female R&B Vocal, Best R&B Album) and multiple Top spots on critics' Best-Of-The-Year Lists. In 2000 she followed up with the critically acclaimed platinum selling album, Mama's Gun. In 2003, the EP World Wide Underground was awarded Gold certification.
Erykah most recently performed a Diana Ross Tribute on the BET Awards and the hit show Girlfriends and received rave reviews. The highly regarded upcoming project will be Badu's first full length album in 7 years.

UMG

NEW Wyclef track feat. Sizzla and Uncle Murda- Carnival Contest

Wyclef releases his new single, 'Welcome To The East' featuring Sizzla and Uncle Murda, His new album 'Carnival Vol.II: Memoirs Of An Immigrant is In Stores December 4th.
Pretty Hott!





WYCLEF IS GIVING FANS A CHANCE TO WIN ONE OUT OF THREE GRAND PRIZES.

250,000 copies of 'Carnival II... Memoirs of an Immigrant' CDs will come with a game piece each game piece features a code. The three winning codes will be posted on www.wyclef.com.

THE THREE GRAND PRIZES WILL INCLUDE:

Diamond: Speedster Motorcars "Z-Custom Line" replica of the 1939 Lincoln Zephyr (Speedster Motorcars "Z-Custom Line" replica of the 1939 Lincoln Zephyr. Color is "Vanilla Shake & Custard". Featured in T.I.’s music video for "You Know What It Is" featuring Wyclef)

Platinum: A trip for two to Brazil Carnival in Rio 2009

Gold: trip for two to a Wyclef concert in the US during 2008

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. To obtain free Game Piece/Official Rules, send SASE to: WYCLEF'S CARNIVAL TICKET GIVEAWAY, Dept.5410, P.O. Box 5007, Stacy, MN 55078-5007. Requests must be postmarked by 2/12/08 and received by 2/20/08. VT residents may omit return postage. Limit one request per envelope. Game open to legal U.S. residents, aged 18 or older. Game starts 12/4/07 and ends 2/12/08. Void where prohibited.

The R.Kelly Double Up Tour- 'Just What I Expected'

R.Kelly rolled his 'Double Up' tour into the brand spankin new Prudential Center located in the newly upholstered Newark, NJ, Thanksgiving night. While the show was quite entertaining, I cannot count the times that I threw my head back in either disbelief or melodic excitement. As my mind struggled thru the 'Aaron Hall Career Jacker's' performance, I was torn between the fact that I was witnessing a highly sexually charged performance, by someone who I believe is both a tortured soul and a musical genious.
R. Kelly has so many hits that much of his show consisted of 1 1/2 minute shorts of some of the most popular singles of the last decade and a half including: 'Ignition', 'Honey Love' & 'Step' of course. The intrusive licking gestures, lap dance, and utter vulgarity, sprinkled thruout the concert reminded me of why songs like 'Age Ain't Nothin But A Number' and 'Seems Like You're Ready' will never be the same...
Ultimately I walked away from the concert having enjoyed it and coming firm to my belief, that this guy just doesn't get it. Some people believe they can do what ever they want because of who the are. We(the public) are the power that create such madness and continues to feed its pain.
I must say that I felt a bit guilty having gone to the show specifically to witness the surrounding drama first hand, and also to see one of the innovators of modern music in his purest form.
Selling over 50 million albums can influence many, many things. At least I didn't pay for my ticket!
SDM

Official Press Release from R.Kelly Tour Management

ROWE ENTERTAINMENT, INC., NATIONAL PROMOTER OF
R. KELLY’S NINE WEEK “DOUBLE UP” TOUR,
ANNOUNCES CHANGES IN TOUR LINE-UP

The Drama continues...
At this point I wouldn't even tour with this dude...

(November 21, 2007’, Atlanta, GA) – Leonard Rowe, president of Rowe Entertainment announces that the tour line up has changed for the nine-week long DOUBLE UP TOUR which currently features R. Kelly, Keyshia Cole, and J. Holiday.

Def Jam Recordings’ R&B vocalist, Ne-Yo,. was a part of the line-up through Thursday, November 15th. It was Rowe Entertainment’s decision to revamp the line-up, minus the Def Jam Recordings’ artist, because Rowe Entertainment could not obtain the final, fully-executed contract from Ne-Yo’s agent. The decision to release Ne-Yo was made solely by Leonard Rowe the national tour promoter. Contrary to previously published reports, R. Kelly exerted no influence upon Leonard Rowe’s decision.

“From a business perspective, it would have been extremely difficult for me to continue under this cloud of uncertainty. Unfortunately it was decided that in the best interest of all involved, since I was unable to receive the fully-executed contract, I had no other alternative but to release Ne-Yo from the tour,” said Leonard Rowe. “We are currently surveying the availability of other artists in order to fill this void.”

'As I Am' Wins Big- New VIDEO feat. Common

Alicia Keys recorded the 2nd biggest debut in the last two years with "As I Am" selling over 740,000 albums. Keys also landed bragging rights by generating the biggest sales for a female artist since 2004 and the most digitally EVER!


Watch Alicia's Dramatic New Video for her second single- 'Like You'll Never See Me Again'.

More Videos

More Alicia Keys

Pre-Order Mary J. Blige's "Growing Pains" In Stores Dec 18th- Video feat. Michael Jackson

Mary J. Blige's "Growing Pains" is scheduled for release DECEMBER 18th, but YOU can pre-order the album on iTunes Here

With the pre-order you will get Mary's first single "Just Fine" instantly, and on December 18th you will receive the Digital Booklet along with a bonus track entitled "Mirror" featuring Eve.

Also...check out a remix video of "Just Fine" featuring Michael Jackson!!

Keith Sweat: A Christmas of Love- In Stores 11/20

'Keith Sweat has long been renowned as a true master of the slow jam. Now, as he turns his talents for the first time ever to a celebration of holiday music, Sweat casts a radiant glow, proving there's no one better qualified to deliver a Yuletide disc titled A CHRISTMAS OF LOVE.'

Click for More

ERYKAH BADU RETURNS WITH NEW SINGLE “HONEY”

Universal Motown’s multi-platinum-selling, Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter/actress Erykah Badu returns to the music limelight with her debut single “Honey.” Laced with Erykah’s bluesy grit and MC style vocals, the song is bolstered by producer’s 9th Wonder’s razor sharp hip hop beats.

Read More

New Raheem DeVaughn Video- "Woman"

New Raheem DeVaughn video "Woman"

New Album "Love Behind the Melody" In stores January 15, 2008

ERYKAH BADU performs a new song on TONIGHT'S episode of GIRLFRIENDS

Tune in TONIGHT, Monday, November 12th at 9PM EST (8PM CST) to watch Erykah Badu perform a new song on the "Snap Back" episode of CW's GIRLFRIENDS!




Erykah's new album tentatively called "The Kabah" is due in Stores February 26th...

Sunny One Day- Albright featuring Vivian Sessoms

Singer/Songwriter Vivian Sessoms and multi-instrumentalist/engineer Chris Parks have brought their individual talents together to create their duo 'Albright'. Each has an impressive career working with the like of Lala Hathaway, Paul Simon, and Michael Jackson, and creating jingles for brands including Dark & Lovely, M&M, and Coke.
These two have released their debut album "Sunny One Day" on their indie label Baby Budda Records, now available.
Click HERE to listen and download.

Cheri Dennis- 'Portrait of Love'

The "Goddess of BAD BOY" Cheri Dennis is slated to release her long awaited debut album 'In And Out of Love' on February 26, 2008. Listen to her first single from the album "Portrait of Love" featuring Young Joc & Gorrilla Zoe.

Raheem's Debut

'Marathon' Live @ SOBs
From the upcoming album "Love Behind the Melody" In Stores January 15, 2008

by:SDM

Jive Recording artist Raheem DeVaughn debuted his sophomore release "Love Behind the Melody" to a sold out audience at NYC's SOB's last night. Aside from displaying new album cuts, DeVaughn also sported a fresh new low haircut, a far stretch from the cornrows and wooly fro/twists he has sported since his 2005 debut album "The Love Experience". The self-proclaimed R&B Hippie was all over fresh-to-death when he took the stage wearing a slick 3-piece suit and a crisp white collar, rapping and singing "Friday" a snazzy tune set to the Temptations "My Girl". Raheem officially introduced the new album with "Try Again" what he called his 'miss U song'.
The beginning of the show was a medley of familiar tunes like his debut title track, and 'Sweet Tooth' mixed in with new tracks like "Energy" which started out as new lyrics stretched out over James Brown's 'Higher' and turned into an excited crowd pleaser. DeVaughn used this track to raise the energy and temperature in the building drawing the crowd into his new vibe, which is still very sensual. He achieved his goal as the crowd's excitement flourished, and he dove into the audience to serenad a few lucky ladies. Apparently, Raheem was feeling the warmth as he appeared back on stage missing his nice suit jacket and shirt, having shed his clothes down to a comfortable wife-beater and a satisfied smile. Another stand out seducer on the new project was 'Marathon', a sexy narration of love making that was cleverly introduced by the ballad killer. He stated that there were 2 types of love making a "quickie" and a "marathon"; each has it's place and time, but you can guess which is his favorite.
DeVaughn, who is forever conscious, full of love, and spiritual, 'Passed the Love Along" with a touch to a crowd member who was asked to keep the Love moving by doing the same. By the end of this song, DeVaughn was draped in his customary "King's Crown" and purple cloak which I have seen him do before. This gimmick is not necessarily, necessary, or too cool, but I'll let him do his thing because I am still feeling him overall.
"Woman" the first single from "Love Behind the Melody" left no fear of the "Sophomore Blues" as he began the wind-down of the night with it's pulsating praise of our strength and beauty. His drummer 'Big Biscuit' tore up the end of it with an electrifying solo. I am sure DeVaughn would say that he is way beyond the , being he releases his own mix tapes before, during, and in between his major releases, and tours regularly. The few new cuts he performed fit in well with his premier favorite's "Believe In Me" Guess Who Loves You More" and "You" which closed out the show. Love Behind the Melody is set for a january 15, 2008 release date, which happens to be "Black Love Day", looks like the picked a good one for phase two of Raheem DeVaughn- The R&B Hip-Hop RockStar!

Mary J. Blige's New Video- 'Just Fine'

Mary's new album "GROWING PAINS" Due In Stores November 27!

Mary J. Blige's New Video- 'Just Fine'
Label: Geffen Records
Director: Chris Applebaum

Click to buy the video on iTunes

Kirk Franklin- The Fight of His Life!

SpotlightGrooves.com Exclusive!

Gospel's leading man Kirk Franklin is busy in the studio finishing up the final touches of his upcoming new release aptly titled "The Fight of My Life" due in stores December 18th. Just in time for Christmas shopping Franklin is finishing up this album as he also tapes for BET's Gospel version of
'American Idol',"Sunday Best". Kirk will debut selections from the album on the season finale of Sunday Best", which airs on December 4th.
Listen to first single 'Declaration (This Is It!)'

Check Out Keyshia Cole's VSpot

Keyshia Cole has been chosen for the prestigious honor of having her very own VH1 Unplugged Session. Watch as Keyshia performs hits from her platinum selling debut as well as soon to be classics from Just Like You in stores now!

Keyshia Cole’s Unplugged Performance On Vh1.com!!!

'Pop Pop'- New Single from Angie Stone

Listen to 'Pop Pop' from Angie Stone's latest album "The Art of Love & War"
In Stores NOW!

Click HERE for "Baby" feat Betty Wright -VIDEO

Jill Scott- Real Thing: ENTER & WIN!

Enter Here for Your Chance to WIN a copy of Real Thing!
Tell Us your Favorite Jill Scott Song.

Wyclef Jean's 'The Carnival II: Memoirs Of An Immigrant' In Stores Dec 4th

Wyclef Jean -- the Grammy Award-winning musician, producer, hip-hop pioneer, and humanitarian who founded the legendary ensemble the Fugees -- returns to Columbia Records with "The Carnival II: Memoirs of an Immigrant," the artist's first full-length album for the label since his third solo album, "Masquerade," entered the Billboard Top 200 at #6 in June 2002. "The Carnival II: Memoirs of an Immigrant" is slated for release on December 4th.

With "The Carnival II: Memoirs of an Immigrant," his sixth full-length studio album, Wyclef Jean continues the autobiographical musical odyssey he began a decade ago with his 1997 triple-platinum debut solo album, "Wyclef Jean Presents The Carnival Featuring Refugee All-Stars" (aka "The Carnival"). Wyclef gave his fans their first taste of "The Carnival II" with the release of the album's lead-in single, "Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)," featuring Akon, Lil' Wayne and introducing Niia. Released in August, the single rapidly made its first Billboard chart appearance entering the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart at #3. "Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)" is now available digitally.

According to Wyclef, "The Carnival II" is "a continuation of 'Gone Till November" (his 1997 Top 10 signature hit from "The Carnival"). I focus a lot on the songwriting." For his much anticipated new album, Wyclef has once again called upon his friends, showcasing his musical dexterity as he draws from an extraordinary and diverse roster of collaborating guest artists including Paul Simon (on "Fast Car"), Mary J. Blige, T.I., Norah Jones, Akon, Serj Tankian (of System Of A Down) (on "Trouble Again"), Lil' Wayne, and Shakira, to name a few. Wyclef produced the entire album with his long-time production partner, Jerry "Wonda" Duplessis, with whom he has worked since the beginning of the Fugees.

"The Carnival II: Memoirs of an Immigrant" is the first full-length album from Wyclef Jean since 2006, when the artist struck a chord in mass pop consciousness with "Hips Don't Lie," the chart-topping Grammy-nominated international smash hit duet with Shakira.
Listen to "Riot" featuring Serj Tankian

Marvin Winans & Donnie McClurkin on Gospel Insider

Watch this footage from 'Gospel Insider' highlighting the recent sucesses of these two Gospel powerhouses.

Catch Emily King on the CBS Morning Show! 10/20

Emily will be performing songs off her album "East Side Story" on the CBS Morning Show this Saturday. (10/20/07) Check your local listings for times. If you are a fan of Emily you won't want to miss this!!!

Also, don't forget to check out Emily's video for "Walk In My Shoes"!

Keyshia Cole Hits The Road With R Kelly. New Audio, 'Shoulda Let You Go'

Keyshia Cole will be hitting the road with R Kelly starting on November 14th in Columbus, GA. Keyshia is enjoying the success of her sophomore release, Just Like You in stores now!
Check out the second single, Shoulda Let You Go Feat. Amina.
Click Here for the VIDEO!

Keyshia Cole Tour Dates:

Keyshia Cole Tour Dates:
Wed Nov 14 Columbus, GA Columbus Civic Center
Thurs Nov 15 Atlanta Phillips Arena
Fri Nov 16 Greensboro Greensboro Coliseum
Sat Nov 17 Birmingham BJCC
Sun Nov 18 Charlotte Bobcat Arena
Wed Nov 21 Philadelphia Wachovia Center
Thurs Nov 22 Newark Prudential Center
Fri Nov 23 New York Nassau Coliseum
Sat Nov 24 Baltimore 1st Mariner
Sun Nov 25 Washington DC Verizon Center
Thurs Nov 29 Little Rock Alltel Arena
Fri Nov 30 New Orleans New Orleans Arena
Sat Dec 1 Dallas American AirlinesArena
Sun Dec 2 Houston Toyota Center
Thurs Dec 6 Minneapolis Target Center
Fri Dec 7 Kansas City Sprint Center
Sat Dec 8 Indianapolis Conseco Fieldhouse
Sun Dec 9 Memphis Fed Ex Forum
Thurs Dec 13 Las Vegas Mandalay Bay
Fri Dec 14 Los Angeles Staples Center
Sat Dec 15 Oakland Oakland Arena(Oracle)
Sun Dec 16 Sacramento ARCO Arena
Thurs Dec 20 Chicago United Center
Fri Dec 21 Chicago United Center
Sat Dec 22 Detroit Joe Louis Arena
Sun Dec 23 Detroit Joe Louis Arena
Thurs Dec 27 Charleston North Charleston Coliseum
Fri Dec 28 Orlando Amway
Sat Dec 29 Columbia Colonial Center
Sun Dec 30 Jacksonville Veteran Memorial
Mon Dec 31 Miami American AirlinesArena
Fri Jan 4 Cleveland Wolstein Center
Sat Jan 5 Louisvile Kentucky Expo Center
Sun Jan 6 St Louis Scottrade
Wed Jan 9 Savannah Savannah Civic Center
Thurs Jan 10 Greenville Bi-Lo Center
Fri Jan 11 Richmond Richmond Coliseum
Sun Jan 13 Hampton Coliseum Hampton Coliseum

Mary J. Blidge- Growing Pains IN STORES NOVEMBER 27

First Single 'Just Fine' Produced by "Tricky" Stewart and Jazze Pha)

The Isley Brothers 'I'll Be Home for Christmas'- IN STORES OCTOBER 9

I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, the first holiday album ever recorded by the Isley Brothers featuring Ronald Isley, will arrive in stores October 9th on Def Soul Classics, a division of the Island Def Jam Music Group. The new album was executive produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis for Flyte Tyme Productions, Inc., with all tracks recorded and mixed at Flyte Tyme Studios in Santa Monica.

Listen to: Winter Wonderland

Miss Patti's Christmas IN STORES OCTOBER 9

’Tis the season to be – tossing another yule log into the fireplace, and getting cozy with MISS PATTI’S CHRISTMAS. The brand new holiday album by Patti LaBelle will arrive in stores October 9th on Def Soul Classics, a division of the Island Def Jam Music Group. The new album was executive produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis for Flyte Tyme Productions, Inc., with all tracks recorded and mixed at Flyte Tyme Studios in Santa Monica.

Listen to new music from "Miss Patti's Christmas" is in stores now!


'What Do the Lonely Do at Christmas'

J. Holiday Shares His Story

By: Latifah Muhammad


The road to stardom for R&B singer J. Holiday is quickly becoming a steady journey. His debut single ‘Bed’ has hit the top of the Billboard Hip-Hop/R&B charts. He has regions of fans both old and young chanting along with him during his sultry performances. And that’s just the beginning.

The D.C. born and bred R&B singer has done his homework. He grew up listening to artists like Donny Hathaway, Sam Cooke, and Marvin Gaye. He knows real music and is more than eager to bring a piece of his soul to what he feels is an industry lacking real R&B.

Now on the cusps of releasing his debut album Back of My Lac (Music Line/Capitol) he is making his signature saying “Everyday is a J. Holiday” a reality. He took time to talk with Spotlight Grooves about who he is and what he has to bring to the table.



Spotlight Grooves: I first saw you perform on the roof of Capitol Records and I know things have been taking off since then, what have you been up to?

J.Holiday: Right now I’m on this Keyshia Cole tour. Just out here selling ‘Bed’ man. I’ve been on the grind getting ready for the album to release.


SG: How has it been on the Keyshia Cole tour?

J.H.: It’s been good. This is my first time opening up for somebody. Well, I opened up for Tyrese but this is my first time on an actual tour with consecutive dates. It feels good. It’s fun. I’m learning the ropes.


SG: I heard that you have a love affair with music. When did you fall in love?

J.H.: I’ve always loved music. You know, first it was just kind of something that I did. You have kids that grew up playing sports, I grew up singing. That was just what I was good at. I really was like ‘this is something that I want to do’ when I was 14.

SG: And what was it that made you want to commit to doing it as a career?

J.H.: I did a talent show and just the response that I got from the crowd. At that time I was going to a predominately black high school so it was just the response that I got that was crazy. I was like ‘this is what I’m going to do!’

SG: You’re one of a few artists on the music radar from D.C., how was life growing up there?

J.H.: It’s different. It’s a real political city. You have the tri-city area (around D.C. and VA) it’s almost a melting pot in itself. You have suburbia, you have the hood and you have the in between. I got a little bit of everything, especially with my mom being a preacher.

SG: How often do you get to go back?

J.H.: I’ve frequently been going maybe once a month, or once every other month. But it’s always for work. I haven’t gone back just for vacation in a while, since like Christmas.


SG: What do you miss about home the most?

J.H.: The seafood. Crabs and shrimp! They have carry-outs (restaurants). That’s usually the first spot that me and my manager hit when we go home. We go get us a steak and cheese from the carry -out.


SG: You said that your mom is a preacher. How does she feel about the single and your live performance?

J.H.: She’s cool, I think she’s enjoying this a little more than I am. She’s seen me go through everything. She’s been there from when I started, when I decided not to go to school. She’s my number one fan. As long as I keep it positive she’s cool with it. She backs me up 100 percent.

SG: It sounds like you and your mother are really close. Since your father died when you were very young; how did he inspire you to become the man that you are today?

J.H.: Not having him made me want to be a better man. I had my homies in the street, they looked out for me. It was hard but most of the things that I learned, I learned on my own.

SLG: How do those life lessons translate into your music?

J.H.: All of my songs if I didn’t write them they’re still about situations that I may have seen or that I may have been through. I have a couple of songs on my album where I’m really trying to make sure that if cats don’t have a role model or a father figure they can always listen to the music. I have a song on the album called “Thug Commitment” that’s strictly for the African American male community. It talks about a couple of things that we’ve got to do better.

SG: Being in the R&B game it’s very easy to get sucked into the superficial sexual content, so it’s very commendable that you’ve gone into something deeper than that.

J.H.: Well I grew up listening to Marvin (Gaye). So you have songs like “What’s Going On” and “Trouble Man.” To me music more than just about love or sex it’s a lot of things that you can talk about with music.

SG: You’re inspired by artist like Sam Cooke and you do an ode to Jodeci in your live performance. What is it about these artists that inspire you as a performer?

J.H.: I think it was the passion that they had in their music. That’s a big problem that I have with music right now. When it comes to artist it’s just about the songs. It’s not really about the passion. You don’t really hear people talking about live shows too much anymore. I’m trying to bring back R&B; to bring back real singing. That’s what those cats did. They sung for real. They were real artist. They were writers, they were singers and performers. The total package.

SG: Your single ‘Bed’ has been climbing the charts. The song is sung with so much passion, what inspired that?

J.H.: I grew up in a house full of women. I have two older sisters and my mom, so I’m very in-tuned with women. I know what they want to hear. There hasn’t been a song like that that really just focused on a woman. It’s always been a two-way street; or fellas talking about what they want to get out of the situation. I think that was the inspiration, making sure that the women felt like women again.

SG: So I’m guessing you’re not in a relationship?

J.H.: Single and ready to mingle!


SG: What is it that you want the world to know about J. Holiday and why is he different from other R&B performers?

J.H.: I’m different because a lot of people try to fabricate stories to sell their music. My stories are real stories. I lost my father when I was young, my mom’s a preacher. I didn’t have it easy going up. And even now with “Bed” I still don’t have it easy. I’m out here grinding. I just want them to know I’m a real cat. I don’t get caught up in my own hype. It’s not about the fame. It’s not about the money, all that is going to come as long as you do your job.


SG: With that said, is it weird for you when female fans are screaming for you?

J.H.: Yes. It’s weird for me because I’m really a private person. I lay back in the cut; I don’t like a lot of attention. It’s like a catch 22 for me.


SG: Judging by your drive and commitment to music we’re sure that you’re here to stay. Spotlight Grooves would like to thank your for speaking with us.

J.H.: Thank you for interviewing me! Like I said, I’m not caught up in this hype. Anything ya’ll want to know ya’ll can ask me. For the most part I’m an open book.

Rahsaan Patterson Interview

Rahsaan Patterson

Standing in His Greatness
by SDM
Photo by: Rahsaan Patterson!

Rahsann Patterson opened up to me about his personal journey from childhood celebrity, to where he is today, with the release of his fourth album Wines & Spirits. During our interview Rahsaan discussed how he dealt with becoming an independent artist after the closing of MCA Records and the progression of the music industry since then. He talks about how the internet helped him to come out of a dark place in order to create this fantastic new album and the major talent that he found there. Rahsaan has emerged an awakened spirit full of possibilities and interesting opportunities. If you haven't seen this man perform, be sure to catch him live in the zone. Hear the full Rahsaan Patterson interview on Spotlight Grooves.com

2007 Soul Music Summit!

The 2007 Soul Music Summit held in Atlanta, Ga this weekend was an inspirational exchange of knowledge, music and passion. The summit connected up-and-coming musicians with mentors; who offered experience and wisdom to better prepare them for their careers ahead. I am honored to have been on a panel of such experience and achievement. The summit opened doors for a myriad of stellar musicians and opportunities, and I look forward to the fruit of our offerings.

Look out for more music and artists on SpotlightGrooves.com. Much love to all of my new friends and awesome artists!
Congrats to SMS Producer: Terry Bellow

Eric Robeson


Eric Robeson & Frank McComb





Carol Riddick

Conya Doss


Algebra


Alison Crockett


Peter Hadar

Rahsaan Patterson

Rahsaan & Joi

N'dambi


Carol