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

BET Awards Performances, The Legends Run It

The BET Awards, which has turned out to be THE awards show for black america, showcased the best of the old that far outshined the new. Highlights of the evening which had more performances than awards, were the living legends that each commanded the stage in their own right. Patti LaBelle’s, moving dedication to the late, great Gerald LeVert was topped only by the spirit wrenching tribute “Wind Beneath My Wings”; sung by his father Eddie, Gladys Knight, Yolanda Adams, and Patti. Each of these artists effortlessly displayed the shear talent that has awarded them respect and longevity in their careers. Pioneering rap group Public Enemy filled the air with an enigmatic power and respect. Diana Ross who received the lifetime achievement award for her over 50 years in the business, said it best. “You don’t have to say the f-word and the n-word or bump and grind to have a career with longevity.” She spoke about how she built her career on having a sense of “class” and worked hard to uphold “high standards”. Hearing these words come out of “The Boss” was very poignant, understanding that she endured the cruelty of the n- word and the lack of respect for black talent, much less black beauty. Her words were like a wise Auntie speaking to her kin. She also made it a point to acknowledge Barry Gordy whom is not often celebrated for creating the Motown legacy that was a catapult for black music.
On a lighter note, other highlights were Erykah Badu, Steve Wonder and Chaka Khan’s tribute to Diana. Erykah's quite comfortable performing “Love Hangover” amongst these giants. Kelly Rowland's performance (thank God her album is Hot!) following Beyonce’s liquid gold, was perhaps saved by the mini Destiny's Child reunion featuring Solange .
I don’t know what 50 Cent was doing, he lip-synced the chorus of his raunchy yet irresistibly catchy new song “Amusement Park”, but barely spit a verse, and spent his performance walking/punking the audience. He closed his show with a shout-out to his Vitamin Water brand. I guess with arms like that, he doesn’t need to perform anymore??…
I must admit, that I missed Jennifer Hudson’s said to be stellar performance with Jennifer Holiday, I am sure I missed an incredible moment. Don Chedle’s acceptance speech for the Humanitarian award was humbling. I bet more than a few people were humbled by his and Diana’s words, as they all tried to voice respect for the groundbreakers toward the end of the unforgettable show.

BET Award Winners

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Beyonce - "Irreplaceable"

BEST GROUP
Gnarls Barkley

BEST ACTOR
Forest Whitaker

BEST ACTRESS
Jennifer Hudson

BEST HIP-HOP ARTIST
T.I.

BEST COLLABORATION
Ludacris f/ Mary J. Blige - "Runaway Love"

BEST NEW ARTIST
Jennifer Hudson

BEST MALE ATHLETE
LeBron James

BEST FEMALE ATHLETE
Serena Williams

BETJ COOL LIKE THAT
Gerald Levert

BEST GOSPEL ARTIST
Kirk Franklin

BEST MALE R&B ARTIST
Ne-Yo

BEST FEMALE R&B ARTIST
Beyonce

VIEWERS CHOICE AWARD
Birdman and Lil Wayne "Stuntin' Like My Daddy"

Chrisette Michele- Live NYC 6/19

Chrisette Michele has some kinda voice! You've heard it on hooks from Jay-Z's- "Lost One" and Nas's- "Can’t Forget About You" among others. Watch her live performance at an exclusive NYC location on her release date 6/19/07. This jazzy diva sang tracks from her debut release "I Am" in stores now.

If I Have My Way- Live!


Best of Me- Live!


For more on Chrisette Michele check out her page on http://www.SpotlightGrooves.com Read my review of "I Am" then Buy a copy!

Jill Scott & Friends at Radio City Music Hall

Check out pics from Jill Scott's concert at Radio City Music Hall!





Chaka Khan!




Robin Thicke


Musiq

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"