A big 2017 for Adult R&B/Soul music

To the pessimists who insisted that the state of traditional R&B/Soul music is on a downward spiral towards irrelevancy has proven to be false here in Chapter 2017. Yes - I know and I got it that album sales aren't what they used to be, but you cannot deny the incredible quality of work that's been put out this year by super-talented newbies such as Kevin Ross, Yuna, La'Porsha Renae, and multi-faceted actress/singer Demetria McKinney - just to name a few. But for me, what's been amazingly impressive in 2017 has been the vibes released by the legendary O.G.s of the game like Mary J. Blige, Keith Sweat, Charlie Wilson, Joe, Leela James, Chante' Moore, Musiq Soulchild, Will Downing, Bell Biv DeVoe, Johnny Gill and so many others that have quietly slayed it majorly on the Urban Adult Contemporary radio airwaves, giving hope for the truly 'grown and sexy' demographic that 'Real R&B/Soul Music' performed by truly talented, top-quality, real R&B/Soul recording artists are still in vogue, and is showing 'zero' signs of slowing down going into year 2018. No disrespect to the artists doing the 'Urban R&B/Hip-Hop' thing, but the Adult/Traditional vibe is STILL winning in my book. Oh, and who could forget the big reunion of Kandi, Tiny, LaTocha and Tamika - aka multi-Platinum-selling vocal quartet Xscape?

Back On The Red Carpet: TODAY

Best known for their R&B smash hits 'Him Or Me,' 'Girl I Got My Eyes On You' and 'Why You Gettin' Funky On Me' during the innovative 'New Jack Swing' era of the late 1980s-early 1990s, veteran Platinum-selling R&B/Contemporary Gospel male vocal quartet TODAY are returning to the music scene wiser and better than ever with their unique brand of soulfully inspirational vibes that will without a doubt touch the hearts of their loyal fan base and also gain brand new followers to their movement. The reunion of Frederick Lee 'Big Bub' Drakeford, Larry 'Love' McCain, Wesley 'Wes' Adams and 'Larry 'Chief' Singletary in 2K10 when they independently released their amazing contemporary gospel single 'Orchestrate' after nearly two decades of taking timeout to mature on all levels and work on individual projects sent a big statement to the industry that as a collective, they mean business and are more than ready at this stage of their careers to produce their finest work yet. 'There's definitely been a change from within us. We've matured a lot and the adversities that we've endured has prepared us for this time - which is RIGHT NOW.' said Adams during our recent phone chat. 'Our new music will not only be soulful, but spiritual as well. We want whatever we're conveying now in our songs to be translated into love in many of its forms.'

Bub, Chief, Love and Wes are currently spread out on the East Coast with residences in their home base of New Jersey, as well as The Carolinas and Atlanta, Georgia. Look out for the group's new inspirational single 'The Gift of Life' to be independently released during the Fall of 2K14, as well as an original Christmas song just in time for the upcoming holiday season. As far as dropping their first full-length album since 1991's 'The New Formula,' 2K15 looks to be the year that both R&B and Contemporary Gospel music fans can anticipate the newest addition of the TODAY catalog. Also check for group member Wesley Adams' enlightening debut e-book titled 'The Enemies and Allies of Your Dreams' at Amazon, Barnes & Noble Online and iBook Store.

*Big kudos to my Beantown brother and street promoter extraordinaire Kevin Gray (www.facebook.com/Kevin.Gray.5851) for allowing me the opportunity to interview Wes for the piece!

www.Today.Bandcamp.com
www.instagram.com/BigBubTODAY
www.instagram.com/ChiefTODAY
www.instagram.com/BrotherWes360_TODAY
www.facebook.com/Larry.McCain.184
 

Red Carpet MUSIC Feature: QT JAZZ

 

Super-talented and humble - big CHECK mark. Fun - double big CHECK mark. Unaveragely stylish and swaggarific - triple big CHECK mark. Stunningly gorgeous - quadruple big CHECK mark. Future superstar in the making - quintuple big CHECK mark! Urban Pop music recording artist/dancer/actress Jasmine Robinson, bka QT JAZZ, is all of the above and lots more, and if her catchy, hypnotic single HEELS BAGS (written and produced by her older brother G-Phonix: www.youtube.com/gphonix) featuring the equally talented and beautiful rhymestress BabyDoll from the hot, popular all-female trio THE OMG GIRLZ is any indication of what's to come in 2K14 and beyond, then music lovers of all age groups and ethnic backgrounds around the world are in for a uniquely refreshing treat to their collective ears from this lively Libra reppin' the city of Atlanta, Georgia! 'I would describe my music style as a combination of both (female artists) Jhene' Aiko and Ciara.' said QT during my recent phone interview with her. QT also mentioned that she would love to collaborate with the likes of Platinum-selling, award-winning artists such as Beyonce', Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake and hit-making legend producer Timbaland in the future. Look out for nothing but GREATNESS from QT JAZZ in 2K14, which includes her sure-to-be entertaining and amazing debut EP, along with new projects on the small screen and lots more!

*Sending out a big THANK YOU to publicists TARA THOMAS (www.TaraThomasAgency.com) and ERNEST JACKSON of MNS Media Group (www.twitter.com/StricklyForTheP) for both blessing me with the opportunity to interview such a promising, awesome and beautiful young lady in QT, who is truly indeed that - A CUTIE on ALL LEVELS!

www.QTJazz.com
www.twitter.com/QTJazz
www.instagram.com/QTJazz

Red Carpet Music Feature: RICH LOWE (Brooklyn, NY)

Multitalented singer/songwriter/producer RICH LOWE is definitely a name to look out for in the future of R&B/Soul/Pop music. His stellar rendition of the legendary Jackie Wilson classic tune 'Lonely Teardrops' released in January 2K13 is 'throwback soul music with brand new swag' at its finest, and has caught the attention of the industry and fans who appreciate a true and authentic brand of musicality. At just 21 years young, Rich has worked with legendary Hip Hop artist/producer ERICK SERMON of EPMD, and to this point has written and produced for rap artists GENASIS and FRED DA GODSON, as well as talented and beautiful Pop/R&B recording artist GINETTE CLAUDETTE. Lowe is currently going hard in the lab creating incredible new and original music, so keep your eyes and ears out for this super-talented and on-the-rise young man reppin' East New York, Brooklyn USA!

*Big kudos to renowned publicist SOULGEE MCQUEEN of McQueen Media for initially introducing me to the exceptional voice that is RICH LOWE!

www.twitter.com/RichLowe24
www.youtube.com/RichLowe24

Red Carpet R&B Music Feature: TreVante' (Houston, TX; Atlanta, GA)

 

Here in 2K13, 18-year-old TreVante' Halliburton is pushing towards becoming that next R&B/Pop male superstar alongsides the likes of Usher, Trey Songz and Chris Brown. His hot new single BAD GIRL - which features a hot verse from talented young rapper Lil Twist from the YMCMB conglomerate - is an intoxicating, funky, high-energy club banger that to me is reminiscent of the 90's boy band sound of N'SYNC and the Backstreet Boys, but just in one singular artist. The George Jones, Jr.-directed video is currently enjoying big-time success on BET's 106 & PARK music countdown and is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

TreVante's musical influences range from the aforementioned N'SYNC and the Backstreet Boys, as well as legends Michael Jackson, Prince and DeBarge, just to name a few. With his good looks, humble personality, soulful vocals, immense work ethic, focus, true love for the art of music and his much-buzzed-about stage show, TreVante' definitely has the potential to be amongst the best all-around entertainers in the game for the forseeable future!

www.TreVante.com
www.twitter.com/TreVanteOnEm
www.facebook.com/TreVanteOfficial

The FORCE M.D.'s are 1-2 Steppin' into 2K13 in a BIG way

For three decades, the pioneering R&B/Soul music group FORCE M.D.'s out of Staten Island, New York have blessed the radio airwaves with timeless classic hits songs such as TENDER LOVE, LOVE IS A HOUSE, TEARS and LET ME LOVE U, just to name a few. Now in the new year of 2K13, original members Stevie D. Lundy and his brother Khalil - along with newest member Damen Heyward from the Bronx, NYC - are taking the music world by storm once again in a brand new and exciting way with their smooth, soulful and infectious new single, 1-2 STEP featuring Hip-Hop legend Chubb Rock rocking out an incredible verse.

Since the release of the song back in February of this year, the 1-2 STEP has quickly gained big-time popularity as THE hottest new dance phenomenon for steppers globewide. The track - which predominately samples the 1975 soul classic from the late, great Michael Jackson WE'RE ALMOST THERE - was produced by Juan 'Majic' Peters and the lyrics were written by group member D. Heyward. The hot music video was shot in Staten Island and directed by Mills Miller. '1-2 STEP' is without a doubt the first BIG step - leading into yet more incredible new Soul-sonic music vibes to come from the trailblazing FORCE M.D.'s!

On the literary front, check for original group member Stevie D.'s recently released 'must-read' book titled NECESSARY FORCE, which is available now on Amazon.com and select bookstores nationwide. I also want to send a BIG shout-out to my Boston, Massachussetts brethren KEVIN GRAY - who handles street promotions for the FORCE M.D.'s - for blessing me with the opportunity to link up with these talented and iconic brothers!

www.OfficialForceMDs.com
www.twitter.com/ForceMDs

*LIKE their official fan page on Facebook: (search: Force M.D.'s) for updates on upcoming shows and appearances.

Red Carpet Music Feature: JORDYN GRIFFIN (Austrailia)

 

Heavily inspired by the likes of Joan Jett and Pat Benatar, the stunningly gorgeous Ms. Jordyn Griffin has quickly made a name for herself in the past couple of years as one of the premiere vocalists/recording artists in the world of Rock music. Her live performances are powerful on so many levels and she takes great pride in writing great, quality, relatable songs that reflect the classic Rock & Soul vibe for music lovers worldwide to enjoy and sing along to. Her most notable charting hit records to date are 'My Time,' "What You Waitin' For' and 'No One And Everyone.'

Not only is Jordyn immensely talented musically, she is also making her mark as a philanthropist supporting various notable global charities such as 'The Make-A-Wish Foundation' and the 'United Way,' and also in her hometown Down Under with 'Transplant Australia' and ' The Australian Red Cross,' just to name a few. Look out for new music from the amazing Jordyn Griffin coming soon!

www.JordynGriffin.com
www.twitter.com/Jordyn_Griffin
www.facebook.com/JordynGriffin


  

Red Carpet Q.and.A.: BRIDGETTE 'BRI' COOPER, Classical music vocalist/recording artist/actress

RG: How would you define your unique brand of musicality?

BC: I would define my brand of musicality as unique, an acquired taste, educational, expressive, inspirational and passionate.

RG: Was there a particular recording artist or song that influenced you into pursuing a career in music that you can remember?

BC: As I broadened my understanding of Classical music, I became influenced by artists such as Leontyne Price, Kiri TeKanawa, Beverly Sills and Jessye Norman, just to name a few. As far as some of the more mainstream Comtemporary artists, I would have to say Prince for musicality, Taylor Swift for her ability to write some great songs based on her own experiences, and Adele because of her voice and lyrical interpretation of music. On the hip-hop side of things, I would have to give a nod to Jay-Z, although I do not care for the explicit language in some of his songs.  I respect the fact that he is a Black male who has seen a lot - both positive and negative - and has figured out a way to put those thoughts into something constructive and not destructive - at least from what I know about him.

RG: Who were the recording artists you were most impressed by when you were growing up? (The ones that made you say, 'WOW!')

BC: The artist that influenced me growing up was Marian Anderson. My mom used to tell me about the concert she gave at the Lincoln Memorial and was very lucky to be in the audience at that time. I remember listening to Marian's recordings when I was eleven years old, and wanting to know more about who she was. She was the first recording artist that made me want to figure out what Classical music was all about, and I loved the fact that she could not allow to see her skin color as a disadvantage. She stayed focused on her musical gift and kept moving forward without excuses, which made her accepted by races around the globe.

RG: You've received so many accolades and respect for your incredible vocal artistry. How humbled are you by all the love that has come your way thus far?

BC: That is a great question. To be honest, if you do not have people in your life to keep you humble, one could easily feel as if they are God. The way I have learned to handle it is by keeping my family close. My family makes it easy for me to stay humble. Every day I am humbled by the love and support that has come my way. Now I have made mistakes, failed and have had to pick myself up from my boot straps and learn from them, so that in itself can be a humbling experience. The interesting thing is that the high profile people that I have had the opportunity to meet and become friends with, know the humbling ups and downs of the music and entertainment business. Several years ago, I received a beautiful red plate with gold from some friends of the family....I mean the kind of plate that is solely meant for royalty, you know? (Laughs) Anyway, I was not sure why there was just one plate. The moral of the story is, anytime you do something great for yourself of accomplish a goal, you get to eat from the red plate. Even now, whenever I or my daughter does something great (she worked really hard to get an 'A' on a test, or I finish memorizing a score that had been giving me a fit...lol), we get to take turns to eat from that one red plate. It just keeps things in perspective for me. Also, if any of my friends from college or high school even thought I was coming close to getting a 'big head,' I would never hear the end of it! (Laughs)

RG: Along with the immense singing talent that you possess, you are also an actress as well. How are you enjoying yourself on that end, and what can we anticipate down the road?

BC: I love acting. So many times your hear Classical singers can't act. As a Performance major in Opera, it was required that I study Acting. It went hand in hand. When I moved to New York, I studied with a great actor and teacher - the late Hal DeWindt. He taught me so much about acting and loving the craft of Acting. I have to act in order to interpret the story from the opera - most often in another language. I love the rehearsal process - examining characters and their relationships to each other. I have many projects that I am working on which will highlight more of my acting, so stay tuned! The one thing I did have to adjust to is that acting for the camera acting for the stage are two totally different approaches. Although you can interchange the same technique, one is bigger and broader such as the stage, where you have to think about having your voice and your actions carry to the back of the theater. As for the camera, my movements and jestures do not have to be as broad because the mics will pick up my voice, et cetera. I love acting on stage because of the whole 'The show must go on.' mentality. There is not a lot of re-adjusting of the cameras, et cetera, between scenes. You just keep going.

RG: What is your proudest accomplishment to date?

BC: Professionally speaking, there are many. From getting my first professional Opera job, to singing for international dignitaries, to being named a Marian Anderson Scholar in 2012, and being asked to sing for the Lincoln Memorial Concert Revisited. I am also proud of the fact that every day I become more passionate about the business that I am in!

RG: What's the best advice you've ever received from your parents as you were evolving into womanhood?

BC: The best advice I received from my parents continues to be to never be afraid of reaching your full potential. My mom always told me that being married is a great thing, but never be afraid of being your own person and having the ability to make your own way financially. My mom also taught me that being a woman has a lot of power in it, and to never let anyone try to take your inner power (your 'self') away because of their own insecurities. Being in this business and trying to maintain a relationship can be very tricky. It takes two committed people who want the relationship, and two people who understand the temptations of this business and be smart enough to recognize and ackknowledge it, but not fall prey to it. Also before my dad passed away, he told me that I did not belong to him anymore and that I now belonged to the world. I will never forget those words, and although it was difficult for me to hear those words, it became clear to me that he was giving me his blessing to go and become part of the world and make the world a better place through my gift of music. Everywhere I take my music and my humanitarian efforts, I take both of my parent's love and spirit with me.

RG: What's the best piece of advice you can give to a musically talented young lady who has dreams and aspirations to become a success not only in the world of entertainment, but in life as well?

BC: My advice would be to love who you are, and KNOW what makes you special and unique. Life is full of ups and downs, and can take you for a loop, but you have to stay strong in your faith and surround yourself with phenomenal people, because even when you fall short, those are the same people that will encourage you to go the extra mile. Also I would say to travel as much as you can because you can gain a lot of understanding about life and your place in it when you visit for just a few days to other places outside of your immediate environment. NEVER dwarf yourself to make others feel comfortable....Let others find comfort and beauty in ALL of your confidence - not just a part of it!

RG: Lastly, what can we look forward to from the multitalented and lovely Bridgette Cooper for the now and say, five-to-ten years down the road with the Lord's will?

BC: As for now, I would have to say some incredibly great music and sharing my passion with ALL people - not just people who can afford to go to the theater. I also hope for the 'now' to win a Grammy award and obtain more of a balanced, happier and healthier lifestyle from a personal standpoint. Now as for a few years down the road, I hope for more Grammys, continued musical success in the industry, singing at the Met Opera in New York City, becoming an incredible businesswoman, obataining more work in television and film as far as my acting career goes and most importantly, my continued love for my family and friends.

RG: Bri, it was such a pleasure interviewing you, and I wish you and your family nothing but the VERY BEST going forward. Be blessed!

BC: Ross, I  thank you for having me, and I appreciate your thoughtful questions. I wish you continued success with what you do!

http://bridgettecooper.wix.com/bricooper
www.twitter.com/bridgettcooper

Red Carpet 'Music' Spotlight: Indie Soul Recording Artist TERI TOBIN (Mesa, Arizona)

Arizona-born singer/songwriter/producer Teri Tobin has been blessed with a musical gift since her childhood growing up in the church. In the past, she's sang background vocals for the likes of Jeffrey Osbourne, the rock group Yes (Owner Of A Lonely Heart), Diana Ross, Chico DeBarge and Chante Moore, just to name a few. Those amazing experiences only prepared this talented and gorgeous lady for her time to shine as a solo recording artist. Legendary artists such as Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye, Prince and Donny Hathaway are her core musical influences, but Tobin will undoubtedly remind you of the smooth, soulful sounds of R&B/Jazz singers of the past.

Teri independently released her critically-acclaimed, soulful debut album titled LOVE INFINITY back in 2011. Her single FREE was an international smash - hitting the #1-spot on the charts in both the United Kingdom and The Netherlands. Now in 2012,  Tobin released her highly-anticipated sophmore indie LP 'SO GOOD TO ME' on the Sol 2 Kep (Soul To Keep) Entertainment label - a brillant collection of 13 soulful, eclectic, R&B/Soul/Jazz-rooted midtempo songs that all reflect on life and love. The first single LOVE ME, produced by TALL BLACK GUY (Eric Roberson, Robert Glasper) has a futuristic soul vibe stamped with Tobin's sultry and stimulating vocals. SO GOOD TO ME is a refreshing, enjoyable listen from the very beginning to the very end. If you dig Soul music in the realm of artists such as Alicia Keys, Jill Scott and Marsha Ambrosius, you will most certainly appreciate and fall in love with Teri's new album! You can purchase online via CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon, etc. Support great, quality music from the very talented and lovely Miss Teri Tobin!

Facebook.com/TeriTobinMusic
Twitter.com/TeriTobinIsHere
YouTube.com/Sol2KepEnt

Red Carpet Music Spotlight: R&B/Soul Recording Artist & Songwriter TASHAWN KING (Boston, MA)

Tashawn King is a super-talented, well-seasoned breath of fresh air in today's landscape of R&B/Soul music. King is truly blessed with a strong baritone vocal sound and very entertaining when performing on the stage. His musical influences are the likes of legendary artists such as Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and Teddy Pendergrass. Tashawn invites audiences to 'connect' and 'travel' with him along his musical journey. Regardless of your gender, you can't help but feel the man - the voice - and his passion for performing live. Tashawn is most proud of the fact that he can relate to people through song - a skill he first acquired at the young age of five. 'Although I was a very shy kid when I was young, strangely enough I've always felt comfortable when I sang or performed in front of others, no matter how big the audience was.' King was quoted as saying.

No rookie to the industry of music, King was the former co-lead singer of the short-lived male R&B vocal group HOMEWORK, launched in Boston by the legendary super producer Maurice Starr. (New Edition, New Kids On The Block) His tenure in the group afforded him the opportunity to learn the nuances of the music business, including the meaning of teamwork, the process of being signed to a major record label, artist development and touring. These experiences allowed Tashawn to grow and evolve as a solo artist, exposing him to opportunities to perform and work alongside globally-renowned recording artists such as Mary J. Blige, Ne-Yo, Jahiem and Chris Brown, just to name a few. In 2K4, King released his solo debut album 'TASHAWN KING,' which played to positive reviews both here in the States and overseas, bringing forth a whole new legion of fans.

After taking some time personal time out for himself, and concentrating on sharpening his skillset as both a songwriter and a music arranger, Tashawn returns on his quest to secure his unique lane in music. With his latest effort, 'THE TASHAWN KING PROJECT, PT.1,' King will continue to display his true love and appreciation for merging voice with melody by presenting his signature style of smooth, soulful, Urban Contemporary R&B music!

*I want to shout-out my good friend KEVIN GRAY from BeanTown  for putting the word out to me about this incredibly talented brother!

www.facebook.com/TashawnKing

R&B Singer/Songwriter TWEET Launches #TweetTuesdays Starting June 5, 2K12

You remember her hit songs 'Smoking Cigarettes,' 'Call Me,' 'Turn Da Lights Off' and 'Oops (Oh My)'....Now the 41-year-old mega-talented and gorgeous Miss Charlene 'TWEET' Keys, also widely known as The Southern Hummingbird, returns on the scene with amazing new music here in 2K12! She is now signed with DuBose Music Group under James DuBose, CEO of DuBose Entertainment. DuBose is best-known for his television and film production, producing top-rated reality series for the likes of superstars Monica, Michael Vick, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole and more.
The pending 2K12 release of  Tweet's third album titled 'SIMPLY TWEET' will be the first album released on her new label home.
Tweet makes her big return by launching #TweetTuesdays starting on Tuesday, June 5, 2K12, releasing a new song every Tuesday on her website. 'Daydreaming' will be the first track and music video released.

www.twitter.com/ms_hummingbird
www.IAmSimplyTweet.com