R&B’s teddy bear Ruben Studdard, is gunning to be the next Luther Vandross with his fifth album dropping this January. “This is the first opportunity I had to really be in complete control of the project and make the kind of music that I want to make,” confessed Studdard. “This is exactly what everyone has […]
Category: Music Reviews
Roc Stea'D: Old Concept, New Approach
It looks like music is getting a new R&B and Hip-Hop duo. Detroit’s own “Roc” lyricist Brittany Elliott and “Stea’D” vocalist Jessica Lamarre are LIVE Record Label’s debut duo, Roc Stea’D. Music lovers have witnessed several failed attempts by groups to blend R&B and Hip-Hop but according to the ladies of Roc Stea’D that in […]
Songstress Syleena Johnson is Back With the Next Chapter
With her signature raspy powerful vocals, Syleena Johnson has been R&B’s best kept secret for over a decade. The Chicago native was introduced to music at an early age through her father, 1970s soul singer Syl Johnson. With her old school backing, she later launched her own career in the late ’90s with her debut […]
AFRO Interview: Grammy-nominated R&B Artist Emily King Releases ‘Seven’
R&B artist Emily King proves that being dropped from a major label doesn’t necessarily mean failure, just fuel for more success. As an independent artist, the New York native may garner more Grammy nods for her new EP, “Seven,” which features a variety of soulful tracks. Before her departure from J Records, King released an […]
Patrick Cooper Takes It Back to ‘The Way It Used To Be’
Reminiscent of a time when music expressed raw emotion and exposed the soul, Patrick Cooper’s The Way It Used To Be is a treat not to be missed. The album, released on July 12, boasts eight cuts of smooth jazz and funk that at times playfully intertwine, mesmerizing listeners to the very last note. “The […]
Neo-Soul Artist Goapele Makes a Comeback
After drifting away from the game for a while, neo-soul artist Goapele is back, sporting a new radiant hairdo and a new attitude toward life. Even without her usual locs and denim style, the songstress proved she could still rock a crowd at D.C.’s The Park at Fourteenth nightclub for the Unplugged Series, organized by […]
AFRO Interview: R&B Soulful Artist Algebra Works On Second Album
R&B solo artist Algebra released her latest album, “Purpose,” in 2008, and gained Billboard success. The Atlanta native has worked with Anthony David, Anthony Hamilton and Musiq and opened for neo-soul artists Common, Life Jennings and The Roots. Algebra performed at The Park at Fourteenth nightclub in Washington, D.C. for the Unplugged Series, held weekly […]
Feeling the Groove at the 44th Hampton Jazz Festival
This past weekend music lovers from all across the region converged in Hampton, VA for the 44th annual Hampton Jazz Festival, featuring an all-star lineup of established artists. The festival is traditionally held in the last full weekend of June every year. The first festival was in 1968 and showcased jazz legends Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonius […]
A Family Affair: BeBe and CeCe Winans join Mary Mary in concert
There is certainly an undeniable bond that exists between brothers and sisters, especially when an opportunity presents itself to share in a larger-than-life experience. Beloved brother and sister duo BeBe and CeCe Winans and the dynamic spirit-filled sisters Mary Mary will join their voices in praise on the stage of the Lincoln Theatre on April 6 […]
Guitarist of Legendary Go-go Band Talks New Career in Pop, Rock
Go-go music may have been what originally spurred guitarist Valentino Jackson’s career, but his distinct versatility didn’t allow him to stay moored to the genre for long. After picking up a guitar at just 4 years old, the Maryland native got his start playing with local bands across the Washington, D.C. region before he even […]
Ben Holt Memorial Branch Announces Voice Competition
The newly formed Ben Holt Memorial Branch of the National Association of Negro Musicians recently announced its local scholarship competition in voice. Contestants between the ages of 18-30 pursuing vocal music study are encouraged to apply. The competition will be held in two rounds, with the first round taking place March 19 at 4 p.m., […]
Former Go-Go Star Aims For Broader Audience with ‘F.I.N.A.O’ Mixtape
When Derek Lyons, stage name Poozy Kush, released his debut solo mixtape F.I.N.A.O. 11:11 If You Don’t Get it, You Don’t Get it, on Feb. 1, he joined a long line of independent artists attempting to blaze their own path on the mainstream hip-hop scene. But what separates Lyons from most “newcomers” is the fact […]

