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

'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.

Mary J. Blidge- Growing Pains IN STORES NOVEMBER 27

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

Prince's New Deal- SG.com Exclusive!

Sources confirmed that legendary music icon Prince who recently joinined forces with Verizon Wireless to sell "Guitar", the first single from his upcoming album, has since landed a deal with Columbia Records to release the album entitled "Planet Earth" this summer. Columbia also distributed Prince's 2005 takeover comeback Musicology, which won 3 Grammys in 2005. This man is a master hustler and a template for independent music success. If you haven't see him in concert, you better catch the next one!

Fans can get the free single "Guitar", by trying the song I.D demo, which will be available on Verizon's website as well as YouTube, Revver, and Myspace.

Amel Larrieux- Live at BB Kings NYC

A crowd gathers in casual Springtime elegance although the temperature
outside clearly indicates a sweltering summer to come. The club is
lined heavily with Amel's most loyal fans as they saturate the space
from the tips of the stage to the back of the bar. It's now standing
room only and the slightly airy dimly-lit surroundings continue to
invite R&b soul enthusiasts.
The lights are shut off and what appears to be two tiny Amel Larrieuxs
emerge from stage left, microphone in hand. The taller one is a
spitting image of the songbird.
They begin with the first words of "For Real" when Amel finally
appears beaming with pride, a smile painted sweetly across her cheeks.
The two mini singers are her daughters and the crowd applauses in
excitement and gratitude for the special treat.
Dressed in a comfortably-fitting blue bohemian style dress over an
off-the-shoulder purple 3/4 sleeve top, she sports a shoulder length
version of her wavy hair and very little makeup.
Amel continues with the song, paying close attention to every part of
the stage; every section of the crowd, occassionally directing the mic
to the audience. She moves like water to the music almost as if the
notes pull her in different directions. Amel emits humbleness and
beauty. An infectious wave of cool serenity is apparant, despite the
heat. She sings a handful of fan favorites including "Infinite
Possibilities" and her excitement is contagious. She plays a
unrehearsed vocal hopscotch with her background singers and jokes with
her band as well as the crowd. She is funny and loving, stepping off
the stage at one point to give a hug and making time to acknowledge
shoutouts. (singing them of course)
When it comes time for "Make Me Whole", tears flow from her eyes as
the crowd sings every single word back to her. What can only be
explained as a peaceful and emotional experience, this was a pivotal
point in the performance.
Overall the show was unlike anything I've ever seen before. Live shows
are often just a fraction of what is heard on a cd but when it comes
to Amel Larrieux, you'll be finding it hard to compare the two. It is
a blessing just to hear her sing. It's even more of a blessing to be
in her presence.

Simone Carlene Porter


Excerpts from the show: "Unanswered Questions" from "Morning"

Kevin Michael-A True Original!

I experienced Keivin Michael's debute performance at Joe's Pub NYC on Wednesday, and I have to saw this guy is legit. You know Kevin, he is the new dude with the big afro and laid back style who landed a commercial endorsement deal with Verizon Wireless promoting his first single "We All Want The Same Thing" (Downtown Records). Kevin performed some enticing cuts form his new album (TDB) due out August 28th featuring Lupe Fiasco and production by Wycleff among others. Kevin scat and slide up and down his tales of love, political and self awareness; exuding his impressive vocal range which is drenched in Funk, Soul, Jazz and Gospel. It was so refreshing to see a new voice content on bringing his own energy, not replicating someone elses. Kevin's performance kept you glued to him while he became the music, feelin' his vibe!

Watch Kevin's video for “It Don’t Make Any Difference To Me”.