NEW MUSIC: DAWN RICHARD - JUMPER

Dawn Richard of Danity Kane fame has been putting out solo music on youtube since 2008. Here is her latest effort "Jumper." It's a slick, slow groove, filled with synths, layered vocals, which screams typical in "today's current state of R&B." The song is kind of unique with its lyric, but does not stand out. I'm just not sure if Dawn can make it as a solo performer at Bad Boy. It says something when Faith Evans left, Cheri Dennis' album is not pushed, and Cassie's sophmore album will probably never see the light of day. Don't get me wrong, Dawn is definitely talented and had one of the most unique voices in the group and one of the best voices in the group next to Aundrea, even though i personally liked D.Wood's voice because it could carry a mid-tempo R&B joint. She also has great song writing skills but it seems to me that the synths/auto-tune age in R&B is fading out, and euro-pop is definitely fading out too. The problem is Dawn has realized that and all of her songs fit those two categories. I hate to say this, but if Rihanna's new album contains those two motifs, then Dawn should be good. If not, I'd like to hear Dawn go the Solange route and record a conceptualized album that mimics the girl groups of the 60's or just plainly 60's music.

NEW VIDEO: FABOLOUS Featuring THE-DREAM

Fabolous is back on the scene with his own record for a change. For the last year to year and a half he has been doing guest spots on every hot song from the likes of Ryan Leslie, The-Dream, and Ne-Yo. The new record "Throw It In the Bag" features both production and guest-vocals from The-Dream himself (not to my surprise). The is definitely going to make a strong impression on the charts. The beat is hard-hitting and very reminiscent of R. Kelly's "Like A Flirt" with loose, thumping percussion. The video is nothing to rave about. It's the typical hip-hop video these days, materialistic and low-budget due to this terrible economy. It has two or three main scenes but its eye-catching nonetheless. Big ups to Fabolous and hopefully, he can come out on top with a good album. I'm sure it will feature a lot of production from The-Dream since the two work so well together. Fabolous' go to collaborator used to be Lil' Mo, but it seems Dream has taken that role now.

ALBUM REVIEW: ELECTRIK RED - HOW TO BE A LADY VOL. 1

Electrik Red's debut album "How To Be A Lady Vol. 1" was just released this past Tuesday, and I must say the album is on point! It features 14 hard-hitting tracks with superb production that actually using synth the right way. The material is very reminiscent of Prince and Vanity 6, and features production entirely from The-Dream and his partner Tricky Stewart.

The group was assembled back in 2004, after two of the members met while on tour supporting Usher as back-up dancers. Then two more members were recruited, and the quartet would go on to work as back-up dancers for the likes of Chris Brown and Ciara. In fact, the entire group appeared in Ciara's "Like A Boy" video as well as the motion picture, "Dream Girls." Eventually, the auditioned for L.A. Reid over at Island Def Jam, he liked them and decided to have the group placed under The-Dream, where they are signed to his imprint Radio Killa.

Musically, this album hits hard. It slick, classic, and fresh all at the same time. Sonically, Dream is like a modern-day Prince, and its only fitting that Electrik Red serves as his Vanity 6. The lead singer Naomi Allen carries the album, and the other girls' vocals mesh well with hers. The main thing that stands out with this album is the variety of material. There are definitely some club bangers (Check out "On Point"), some baby-making songs ( Check out "Go Shawty"), and some nice R&B grooves that are an ode to the 80's. For instance, their breakthrough single, "So Good" is a prime example.

At first glance, most people will overlook the group unless they are Dream fans, but the group is more than that conceptually. Musically they are like a cross between Vanity 6 and TLC minus the rapper. The subject matter of their songs definitely push the envelope hence the Parental Advisory sticker on the album, and the girls maintain a sexual aura regardless of what they sing.
For any and all music lovers wanting to hear a fresh album with that 80's R&B/Pop sound done right, Electrik Red is the group to check out. This the album that Ciara should have recorded. Or for that matter, Dream should have preseted this material to Janet Jackson. And for the record, this album is definitely better than Dream's lastest effort Love Vs. Money.

Rating: (4.5/5 stars)

THE WIZ - ASHANTI PERFORMS

Recently, Ashanti has decided to portray the role of "Dorothy" in the reincarnation of the famous production of "The Wiz" on Broadway. The show is set to last three weeks and here she sings "Home" as part of a preview/press confrence for the production.

I'm impressed with Ashanti's performance. Who would have known that she actually some vocal chops. She's no Whitney or Chaka, but she sings very clearly and has a pretty big range. With a lot of vocalist, you don't hear what they are exactly pronunciating while hitting high notes in their chest voice. However, you can definitely hear Ashanti. Her voice is crisp and she actually knows how to put a little Soul into the song. I'll go and say that her vocal performance is better than Diana Ross', who portrayed "Dorothy," in the 1978 film version of "The Wiz." However, neither top Stephanie Mills' rendition of the song, who originated the role on Broadway. Above all, Whitney Houston performs the best rendition of the song.



Here is Whitney performing the song back in 1985, before she even recorded her debut album. Note that Clive mentioned Lena Horne passing the torch to Dionne Warwick who then passes the torch to her then unknown cousin Whitney Houston. Rumor also has it that Whitney's mother, Cissy Houston took over the musical direction of this song during the middle of it because she wanted the performance to leave a strong impression!

NEW MUSIC: T.I. Featuring MARY J. BLIGE

T.I. aka T.I.P. aka King of the South recruits the Queen of Hip Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige, on this blazing track called "Remember Me," with production from Polow Da Don. I don't know how long this song has been around, but this new, mastered track just surfaced a few days ago. Perhaps, T.I. is looking to re-release his album while is serving his prison sentence. The track sounds very similar to the smash "Live Your Life" and "Dead and Gone," and interestingly Mary's rift in the beginning of the song is very reminiscent of her record "Reminisce," off"What's the 411?" album. If this song becomes a single, it will surely hold T.I. fans over until he release from prison. For the Mary fans, It will be interesting to see if this song is indeed a single, could a new album be in the works. To take things a step further, could she possible re-work the song and sing a couple of verses over it like she did with "Hate It Or Love It."

NEW MUSIC: BRANDY & NE-YO - DECISONS

A new Brandy record featuring Ne-Yo just hit the web. The track is on point if you like the typical NE-Yo song and you are a Brandy fan. The song has a nice mid-tempo groove to it with a decent lyric, even though i don't believe i listened to two full verses. The song is heavy on synths and seemingly nothing else. I don't believe this song is first single material, but it will make for a good album cut.

It looks like Brandy has given up on promoting her 5th LP, Human. There is no doubt that the album was a flop even though, it was creative. "Decisions" sounds like a record that would have meshed perfectly with the "Human" sound so I'm guessing that this new LP won't sound too new or innovative, maybe just more upbeat and flashy.

In my opinion, If Brandy really wants to jumpstart her career, she needs to get in the studio with Monica and do another duet. The buzz surrounding a collabo like that would be major. It would really be beneficial to both singers because i don't see people checking for Monica at all because she hopped on a Keyshia Cole record. The phrase "New Brandy & Monica record" would definitely spark curiosity about both of the singers and solidify a number one record, even if its just for one week.

This Day in Music: The Staple Singers

This day in music on May 31, 1972 the Staples Singers breakthrough hit, "I'll Take You There" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. The Staple Singers had just crossed to the secular world of music after years of performing gospel songs. The group consisted of the group leader, Pops, and three of his daughters, including the lead singer Mavis, who sang with a deep contralto. In a documentary, she once said that people who had never seen her perform would make bets about if she was really a woman because people felt like she sounded like a man. The group had a very earthy, gospel sound that resonated well with listeners mainly because their music was honest, soulful, and simple. On some songs Pops would share the lead vocal with Mavis, but regardless who was singing lead, the group's harmony stood out the most. The groups tonality was so in sync that their harmonizing was always superb and on point! So take a listen to the Staple Singers while some Soul Train dancers rock out to this Soul music classic!

The Staple Singers - I'll Take You There
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The Introduction

Hello World! My name is Marcus and I am an average college student with a passion for music. I consider myself a connoisseur on any all types of R&B music. Everyone says I have an old soul so maybe that is why I gravitate to older music in addition to keeping up with music industry news of today. I have real eclectic taste when it comes to R&B and Soul music, and my taste can be very unpredictable at times. My blog is definitely going to include some retrospective posts, album reviews, and new music exclusives, which will add variety. But, more importantly, I want readers to gain an appreciation for R&B legends, unsung heroes of the genre, and up and coming talents. So get ready to be inspired and stay tuned!