Archive » September 2009

This page contains 118 entries posted in September 2009

Contests & Giveaways, Events

East Coast Bouncers: Win Tickets To See The Foreign Exchange In Concert!

The Foreign Exchange is taking a little break from touring for a hot minute, but when they crank it back up again in a few weeks we got you covered with free tickets. Which means that Bouncers in Baltimore, New...

Butta | 09/30/2009 at 5:00 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

The Roots' Video For 'How I Got Over' Takes It To The Streets

It seems The Roots chose for the minimalist approach with their video for "How I Got Over," the first single from their project that, at latest count, is due in stores next February. The clip shows a wheelchair-bound young man,...

Harlem | 09/30/2009 at 3:30 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Is Jennifer Hudson's Classic Cover 'Over' And Above?

In addition to Bilal doing justice to "Home" during last night's The Wizard of Oz celebration in Central Park, Academy and Grammy Award winner Jennifer Hudson showed up and showed out with her rendition of "Over The Rainbow," and thankfully,...

Harlem | 09/30/2009 at 2:30 PM | Comments (8) | Permalink

First Spin

Join Nikko Gray In Some 'Moonlight Delight'

Since discovering Nikko Gray, I have really been loving her voice. There's something so soothing and easy about it, and the vibrato she uses lets you know that she knows exactly what she's doing. So most obviously I was enthralled...

ill Mami | 09/30/2009 at 1:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

'Changes' We Can Believe In From Ledisi

When Grammy-nominated songstress, Ledisi, dropped her Turn Me Loose album last month, the Soul music community rejoiced. The first single, "Goin Thru Changes," tackles the difficulty of being torn between two lovers from a woman's perspective. The video captures the...

Fave | 09/30/2009 at 12:00 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

First Spin

Bilal Shows Up And Takes Us 'Home'

Ask five different people where Bilal has been, and you're likely to get five different answers. Truth is, the enigmatic soulster has been more hard to pin down lately than a wayward balloon on a windy day. Yet, there he...

Harlem | 09/30/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (9) | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: It's A Cruel Summer

Janet Jackson has another greatest hits collection on the way. [AOAAD]With Fabolous filming a "Twitter reality show," which one has jumped the shark? [WH]The resemblance between LaToya Jackson and a certain movie character are uncanny. [DL]Damn you, Kandi Burress. I...

Butta | 09/30/2009 at 10:00 AM | Comments (4) | Permalink

First Spin, Free Music, Video SoulBounce

A Little Angela Johnson Makes Everything 'Better'

There's nothing I hate worse than being tardy for the party, so I'll take this late pass and keep it moving because there's no way that I could not post this newish track from Angela Johnson from her upcoming...

Butta | 09/29/2009 at 3:30 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

The Pros And Consequence

Dexter Mills, Jr. aka Consequence has been a blip on the Hip Hop radar since 1993. His latest single, "Whatever You Want," reaffirms that it ain't trickin' if you got it, and he's ready to splurge if you give him...

Fave | 09/29/2009 at 1:30 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Bounce-Worthy

Bounce-Worthy: Electric Wire Hustle

I know I have said this before, but it stands repeating. 2009 is shaping up to being a pretty good year for new music, if you know where to look. Thank heaven I stumbled upon Electric Wire Hustle, a soulful...

ill Mami | 09/29/2009 at 12:30 PM | Comments (14) | Permalink

Releases, Video SoulBounce

Do We 'Love' Amerie's New Album Cover?

So we finally get to feast our eyes on Amerie's new album cover for In Love & War. Amerie looks fabutastic as per usual, but should we be concerned that the art direction looks like a gaudy t-shirt design?...

Butta | 09/29/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Club Tropicana Drinks Are Free

So Maxwell's "Suite Lady" is The-Dream's sloppy seconds. [BSP]Solange will chop it up with Oprah about chopping off her hair. [TRU]Who keeps booking Tracy Morgan for this VH1 Hip Hop Honor's hosting gig? [BWE]Lloyd goes in on Ciara. [SONYC]Lyfe...

Butta | 09/29/2009 at 10:00 AM | Comments (4) | Permalink

I Was There, Reviews

Common & His Friends Were As Fresh As '88

Dig if you will this picture: Hollywood on on balmy Saturday night. The promise of a Common show along with the anticipation of some quality Hip Hop in the mix. There were already expectations of who was scheduled to perform:...

ill Mami | 09/28/2009 at 4:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Zo! Loves The Kids

When Zo! isn't touring the country as part of The Foreign Exchange or recording new songs for his upcoming album, Sunstorm, he teaches music to inner-city teens in the DC-area. And while most adolescents hone their skills resurrecting the work...

Fave | 09/28/2009 at 3:00 PM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

Artist Blogs, The Director's Chair

The Director's Chair: The Final Cut

Matthew Cherry here. So I finally finished the video this past weekend. It was my first time not cutting my own video, so it was a little more of a process than I am used to but all in...

Cherry | 09/28/2009 at 2:00 PM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

First Spin

Welcoming Boyz II Men With 'Open Arms'

With incredible harmonies, timeless lyrics and pristine production, Boyz II Men set the standard for '90s era R&B/soul groups and inspired a generation of boy bands from *NSYNC to Jagged Edge. Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman and Wanya Morris each...

Fave | 09/28/2009 at 1:00 PM | Comments (11) | Permalink

Reviews

'Memoirs Of An Imperfect' Album

This week Mariah Carey will release her latest effort Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel. This album marks her twelfth studio release and her first time working without Jermaine Dupri since they started collaborating. This album is primarily produced by The-Dream...

Christian Law | 09/28/2009 at 12:00 PM | Comments (9) | Permalink

First Spin

De La Soul Has Us Loving That 'La La La'

There was a time not that long ago when it was not uncommon to actually be able to listen to different genres of Hip Hop. There was a time when Digable Planets, Goodie Mob, Mobb Deep, Nas, and Wu-Tang Clan...

ill Mami | 09/28/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (8) | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: I'm On The Hunt I'm After You

Black Dynamite is coming soon to a theatre near you. [FL]Fela fans rejoice now that his entire catalogue--45 albums--will be released over the next 18 months. [BAL]Nas and Kelis are still getting a divorce. [TMZ]MTV and BET Networks are debuting...

ill Mami | 09/28/2009 at 10:00 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink

I Was There, Reviews

Eric Roberson Does It For The Music Fans First

Tuesday night in New York City, Eric Roberson feted his birthday and the release of his new album Music Fan First. Fans of his music peppered the stark white candlelit booths and tables of winter-themed lounge Aspen while DJ...

Jalylah | 09/25/2009 at 4:30 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

SoulTube

The Jay-Z & Oprah 'Rap'-Up

Just in case you missed yesterday's meeting of the minds when fellow moguls Oprah Winfrey and Jay-Z chopped it up on her syndicated talk show, there are three things you should take away from their chat: 1) Jay-Z smells good;...

Harlem | 09/25/2009 at 3:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Melanie Fiona 'Kills' In Her Latest Video

I love music videos that aren't what they seem. Ones where you might think the director is telling the story based strictly on the song lyrics, but then, they don't. That, along with the singer herself (lawdie!), is what I...

Harlem | 09/25/2009 at 1:00 PM | Comments (6) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

The 'Feeling's Gone,' Basment Jaxx and Sam Sparro

In light of the recent release of Basment Jaxx's new album, Scars, this surreal video that slipped through the cracks deserves a little shine. In "Feeling's Gone," a bleached Sam Sparro cruises the universe in a space ship. He lands...

Ro | 09/25/2009 at 11:00 AM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: It's The Pleasure Principle

Trey Songz is definitely no D'Angelo. Like, at all. [HM]Are Kelly Price, Tamia and Deborah Cox starting an r&b super-group? Really? [VB]Sorry, Mexican food, Raphael Saadiq would give you up for soul music. [MOG]Amy Winehouse's goddaughter is dropping an...

Ro | 09/25/2009 at 10:00 AM | Comments (6) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Childhood Is Never Far Away In Your 'Mind'

For some inexplicable reason, I have been particularly wistful lately. Wistful for the aspects of my childhood that are hard to put into words. The aspects that conjure the olfactory, visual, and auditory memories that I can't escape. Looking at...

ill Mami | 09/24/2009 at 3:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

First Spin

We're Glad That Mary J. Blige Isn't 'Done'

After releasing two less than stellar singles with the Auto-Tuned out "The One" and the Chris Brown co-signing "Stronger," we're glad that Mary J. Blige isn't done with cranking out hot songs, which is precisely what we have in...

Butta | 09/24/2009 at 2:00 PM | Comments (8) | Permalink

Sh*t or Shinola?, Soul Cynic

Common Doesn't Listen To Hip Hop

Back in December and after Barack Obama's presidential win, Common declared that Obama was "going to change hip-hop for the better." These days, Hip Hop's favorite backpacker turned Hollywood bit-part actor is now saying that the "Obama effect" has resulted...

ill Mami | 09/24/2009 at 1:00 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Reviews

Nicolay Shines On 'City Lights Vol. 2: Shibuya'

The Foreign Exchange is a musical reflection of the global glue adhering our spirits together. What started as two musicians swapping files over the internet, Nicolay and Phonte have transformed their passion for music into an international movement, while bringing...

Fave | 09/24/2009 at 12:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Sh*t or Shinola?, Video SoulBounce

West + Gaga's 'Fame Kills' Tour Trailer Takes Itself Very Seriously

At the MTV VMAs Lady Gaga had a bird's nest on her face and her performance involved blood-play, and we all know (and are tired of hearing about) what happened with Kanye. But there were a lot of mitigating egos...

Ro | 09/24/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Everybody Get Up And Do Your Thing

Macy Gray was the first female shown the door on Dancing With The Stars. Damn. [ABC]It's on. Tonight. VH1's Behind The Music: Bobby Brown. Get your tweets ready. [VH1]Wait, so this is still coming out? Really?!? [BS]Rihanna once sang...

Harlem | 09/24/2009 at 10:00 AM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Artist Blogs, The Director's Chair

The Director's Chair: The Rough Cut

Hello everyone, it's getting down to crunch time, and I finally got a rough cut of my video done. I have been working with my editor Michael Speck, and I am very pleased with the footage so far. Of...

Cherry | 09/23/2009 at 3:00 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Rap Snacks, SoulTube

Murs Pontificates On The Lack Of Women In Hip-Hop

Hey rap fans, to what do you attribute the lack of female emcees? The predicament itself isn't new, nor is the sentiment that it's due in part to rampant misogyny. What is refreshing, however, is that this conundrum is being...

huny | 09/23/2009 at 2:00 PM | Comments (8) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Why Watching Next Month's VH1 Hip Hop Special Might Be An 'Honor'

So, say you were like me and really not excited to watch this year's VH1 Hip Hop Honors telecast next month. Say that the idea of Tracy Morgan hosting once again made you want to run for the hills, wishing...

Harlem | 09/23/2009 at 1:30 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Darien's Visit Home Was A 'Summer Breeze'

Sometimes, when an artist returns to his hometown to perform, nerves can get to him. The pressure of having to live up to expectations, or to "represent" for the neighborhood can bring even the greatest performer to his knees. This...

Harlem | 09/23/2009 at 12:15 PM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

'Runaway' With Georgia Anne Muldrow

In keeping with the theme of her upcoming album Early, which consists of material she wrote as a teenager, the entire video for Georgia Anne Muldrow's "Runaway" is illustrated. Though I'm no expert on cartoons (possibly) from the '70s and...

Ro | 09/23/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Don't Wanna Miss Out

Just when you thought Kanye-Gate was tired and played out, there are t-shirts to prove it. [SONYC]Beyonce isn't welcome in Malaysia because she's "immoral." [SR]Dame Dash is back in the game with a new movie starring Mos Def in...

Butta | 09/23/2009 at 10:00 AM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

SoulTube

Janet's Journey: The Making Of The MTV MJ Tribute

What was regrettably lost in all the Kanye West nonsense of just over a week ago is the stunning, touching, amazingly choreographed tribute to Michael Jackson put together by his sister Janet. The dancing was phenomenal, with an all-star roster...

Harlem | 09/22/2009 at 4:00 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Artist Blogs, The Director's Chair

The Director's Chair: Shoot Day AKA 'What Can Go Wrong, Will Go Wrong'

Hello everyone. We had our shoot for the video this past weekend and I think it can be best summarized with the quote, "what can go wrong, will go wrong." To succeed in this industry you must have a...

Cherry | 09/22/2009 at 2:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

A Soulful Noise, Soul Cynic

'The Jackson Dynasty' Is Almost A Reality (Show)

I know, I know. I wasn't so much on board when news of a reality show featuring the Jackson brothers broke, and even suggested other shows that might go over better. However, now that the show, which will be called...

Harlem | 09/22/2009 at 12:00 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

SoulTube, Video SoulBounce

Ledisi Shows Up, Turns It 'Loose' On 'The Wendy Williams Show'

Speechless. That's how Ledisi left me after watching the clip below of her performance on The Wendy Williams Show. What's ironic is that it's Wendy that usually leaves me speechless, since I'm intensely scared of her. However, for Ledisi, and...

Harlem | 09/22/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (11) | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Do You Wanna Ride?

Goodie Mob reunited in ATL over the weekend. [XXL]The Soul Controllers went IN at their 18th anniversary shindig with Joy Jones and the Ill Vibe Collective. [WF]Get to know UK label Tru Thoughts a little better. [SUK]T-Pain - Auto-Tune...

Butta | 09/22/2009 at 10:00 AM | Comments (1) | Permalink

SoulTube

'I Want To Know What' Mariah's Old Hair Is Doing On Oprah

You know, this whole Oprah Fridays Live didn't grab me at first, but after this past week's performance by Mariah Carey, where she busted out her "Vision of Love" hairdo, I must say that now I'm all in. Because clearly,...

Harlem | 09/21/2009 at 4:00 PM | Comments (12) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Michael Jackson Shows Us 'Human Nature' One Last Time

In this clip from This Is It, Michael gives us one final dose of "Human Nature." It's exceptionally poignant given what happened next. As a testament to the brilliance of his catalog and to his unflappable passion for performance and...

Ro | 09/21/2009 at 2:30 PM | Comments (8) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Chrisette Michele Looks Anything But 'Fragile' Behind The Scenes

I love the fact that Island Def Jam is putting ample resources behind Chrisette Michele's Epiphany CD. Recently, the Long Island native recruited DC rapper Wale to contribute to a remix to her video for "Fragile," which will premiere the...

Harlem | 09/21/2009 at 11:30 AM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: A Non-Stop Secret Rendezvous

Rumors abound about a Nas-Kelis reconciliation. [HHDX]Brett Ratner reminisces on Ghostface Killah digging up a bucket of friend chicken in his backyard. Yes, you read that correctly. [MI]This Michael Jackson "Thriller" doll is all I want for Christmas. [NWS]Kanye...

ill Mami | 09/21/2009 at 10:00 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Relax in Paradise

Anthony 'Grandmaster Roc Raida' Williams (1972-2009)

Busta Rhymes Announces DJ Roc Raida's Death, "My Personal DJ Is Gone" [SOHH]Grandmaster Roc Raida [Wiki][MySpace]...

Butta | 09/19/2009 at 3:30 PM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

A Soulful Noise

On The Road With The Foreign Exchange

Trust me, I know that all of the members of Foreign Exchange didn't grow up together. And it would be a totally "foreign" concept to think that they get along all the time. But still, seeing the videos of them...

Harlem | 09/18/2009 at 3:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Artist Blogs, The Director's Chair

The Director's Chair: The Treatment

Hello everyone, Matthew Cherry back with the second installment of my blog that gives you a look at my process of directing a music video. As you may already know I am submitting a music video for a contest on...

Cherry | 09/18/2009 at 2:00 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

First Spin, Free Music

The More 'Things Change' The More Black Spade Stays The Same

I have been loving Black Spade ever since I learned of his existence with his debut album To Serve With Love last year. He's been doing double duty as part of trio Hawthorne Headhunters who we recommended to you not...

ill Mami | 09/18/2009 at 1:00 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

First Spin

Jagged Edge Are Back 'Full Time'

No, your eyes are not deceiving you. Yes, this is a post about a new Jagged Edge song. No, it is not 1998. Yes, the men with grown-ass voices from Atlanta are back. Yes, it is okay to rejoice. And,...

ill Mami | 09/18/2009 at 12:00 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

First Spin

Novel And Chrisette Michele Are 'Wonderful'

When done right, a love song can sound saccharine without being overly full of its own sweetness. "Wonderful," the newest track from R&B singer Novel that perfectly features Chrisette Michele, manages to do just that. The simplicity of the lyrical...

Ro | 09/18/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Falling In Love Is So Bittersweet

Chris Brown deserves worse than trudging through horse s--t but it's a start. [NDN]Careful, Sasha. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. may not be as forgiving as Des'ree when it comes to suing you. [ABC]Swiftgate continues for Kanye, the rest of...

Ro | 09/18/2009 at 10:00 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Jaspects 'Beat It' Up At Joe's Pub

We know you've seen us write about them before, and even featured some of their music on the site, but seriously, if you haven't seen Jaspects in person, you are just plain missing out. On life. The sextet from the...

Harlem | 09/17/2009 at 3:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Rap Snacks, SoulTube, Video SoulBounce

Q-Tip Shows 'Late Night' Some 'Love'

Seems Jimmy Fallon is on a roll this week, and proving what I said yesterday about giving the Hip Hop nation great exposure. One night after welcoming Ghostface to perform on Late Night, Kamaal the Abstract, aka Q-Tip, was not...

Harlem | 09/17/2009 at 2:00 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

I'm Mad

The Kanye Problem

Until now, I have publicly refrained from saying anything regarding the Kanye West-Taylor Swift brouhaha that occurred this past Sunday. I have continued to voice my disdain and disappointment regarding his past behavior whilst I waited with baited breath for...

ill Mami | 09/17/2009 at 12:00 PM | Comments (24) | Permalink

First Spin

Is Alicia Keys Giving Us 'Anything' New To Love?

Yesterday, we mentioned Alicia Keys a lot, detailing her visit to Today in the aftermathglow of Sunday's MTV Video Music Awards as well as the premiere of the video for "Million Dollar Bill," the song she penned for Whitney Houston....

Harlem | 09/17/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (16) | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Just Wanna Kiss Your Big Mouth

"Rappers Delight" turned 30 yesterday. Congrats to the Sugar Hill Gang. [YT]Jill Scott will be playing a mother next year on the Lifetime Movie Network. [VARIETY]Bobby Brown's a Celebrity...Fit Club contestant this coming season. [IDOL]So, would I be wrong...

Harlem | 09/17/2009 at 10:00 AM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Whitney's 'Million Dollar' Smile Is Back

And speaking of Alicia Keys, the song she penned for Whitney Houston, "Million Dollar Bill," finally has a video to accompany the uptempo track. And this is a perfect follow-up to Whitney's two-part soul session with Oprah this week,...

Harlem | 09/16/2009 at 7:15 PM | Comments (9) | Permalink

SoulTube

Alicia Keys Visits 'Today', Speaks On Lil Mama Incident

Watching Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb host the fourth hour of the Today Show is something I need to do more often. No, for real, they may be certifiably insane. All this time, when Saturday Night Live would do...

Harlem | 09/16/2009 at 5:00 PM | Comments (10) | Permalink

Relax in Paradise, Video SoulBounce

To Us, Patrick Swayze Was 'Like The Wind'

A friend said the other day--with a straight face--that Patrick Swayze's death hit them almost as hard as Michael Jackson's did. At first, I gave them the Side-Eye Supreme, but after letting it marinate for a minute, I understood. Truth:...

Harlem | 09/16/2009 at 4:00 PM | Comments (6) | Permalink

Rap Snacks, SoulTube, Video SoulBounce

Ghostface & Raheem On 'Late Night'? Oh, 'Baby'!

Not since the heyday of Arsenio Hall have hip-hop artists gotten this much exposure, with both Jimmys (Fallon and Kimmel) leading the way in providing access to late night, mainstream audiences. Late Night With Jimmy Fallon.has been especially generous, and...

Harlem | 09/16/2009 at 3:00 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Artist Blogs, The Director's Chair

The Director's Chair: Back In The Hot Seat

I finally can dust off my director's chair. It's been a minute since we last connected, but I'm glad to be back. This time I am going to walk you through the process of the way I direct a...

Cherry | 09/16/2009 at 2:00 PM | Comments (6) | Permalink

Contests & Giveaways, Events

DC Bouncers: Win Tickets To See John Forte In Concert!

DC Bouncers, we haven't forgotten the home team and to show that we still got love for y'all we're giving away a pair of tickets to see John Forte in concert tomorrow night at Liv. Mr. Forte will be stopping...

Butta | 09/16/2009 at 1:00 PM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

Free Music, Video SoulBounce

Full Crate, FS Green & Mar Get Their Roll Bounce On, 'Sugar'

When I first saw this video for "80s Sugar" yesterday, I was ecstatic with glee. It's been quite some time since I've seen anything reminiscent of the roller disco moves that were so prevalent in my youth, Roll Bounce notwithstanding....

ill Mami | 09/16/2009 at 12:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

First Spin

Can Amerie Convince Us Of These 'Pretty Brown Eyes'?

I've been reading from various internet sources that Amerie's new track with Trey Songz is the hotness or some variation thereof. There are two issues with this sentiment. Firstly and most glaringly obvious is the sample from Mint Condition's "Breakin'...

ill Mami | 09/16/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (11) | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: You Get The Best From Me

Is Kanye West the new O.J. Simpson? [MA]Bobby Brown on Whitney: "We corrupted each other." [TI]Toni Braxton has been taking in Fashion Week in NYC. [C+D]Beyonce is set to join the already crowded field of celebs with their own...

Butta | 09/16/2009 at 10:00 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink

A Soulful Noise

Lenny Kravitz To 'Let Love Rule' On US Tour

Twenty years after his first album Let Love Rule, Lenny Kravitz will be touring in the US this fall to commemorate its release. Influenced as much by soul and funk as much as any music genre he embodies, Let...

Ro | 09/15/2009 at 12:45 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

First Spin

Ghostface & John Legend Want To 'Stop Playin'

By now you must surely know how I feel about Ghostface Killah. It's kind of embarrassing, but how can I contain my love for his teddy bear-cuddliness and superb gully rhyme flow? What isn't embarrassing is this track from the...

ill Mami | 09/15/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Relax in Paradise

Patrick Swayze (1952-2009)

"Dirty Dancing" Star Patrick Swayze Dies At 57 [Yahoo!]Patrick Swayze [Wiki]...

Butta | 09/15/2009 at 10:30 AM | Comments (8) | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Yo Mister, How's Your Daughter

So President Obama apparently called Kanye West a "jackass." [CL]Lil Mama apologized for crashing Jay-Z's set at the MTV VMAs. [C+D]Disney may bring back Michael Jackson's Captain Eo. [WH]Andre 3000, Snoop Dogg and more Hip Hop icons get "Simpsonized."...

Butta | 09/15/2009 at 10:00 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Contests & Giveaways, Events

SoulBouncers: Win Tickets To The Hennessy Artistry Tour!

When we first got wind that Common and The Roots had linked up with Hennessy for their signature Hennessy Artistry concert series, we were pretty hyped up since this was the first time that Hip Hop acts would headline...

Butta | 09/14/2009 at 6:00 PM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

First Spin

Toni Braxton Looks Forward With 'Yesterday'

Wait. Nope, I don't think my ears are deceiving me. It's really starting to sound like the 1990s all over again, with divas Whitney Houston (RIP, the voice), Mariah Carey (RIP, the rep), and now Toni Braxton, all gracing us...

Harlem | 09/14/2009 at 5:00 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

The Revelations & Tré Williams Have A Story To 'Tell'

Here's what I love about The Revelations, which features Tré Williams: all of their songs tell a story. I mean, with Tré's velvety voice as the vessel, the story is always prominent. That's what made them Bounce-Worthy a little less...

Harlem | 09/14/2009 at 3:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Soul On Film

Michael Jackson's 'This Is It' Coming Soon To Theaters Near You

Around these parts we love Michael Jackson, so much so that our worlds stopped briefly when he left the physical plane for the spiritual one. Prior to his passing, I was this close to securing tickets to his This Is...

ill Mami | 09/14/2009 at 1:00 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Leroy Smith Gives Us A 'Gift' With Some Help From Ryan Leslie

It's always too early for foolishness, but it's never too early for these types of shenanigans. Charlie Murphy's Leroy Smith persona came out of nowhere with its brand of irreverent sports-themed antics. Leroy's love of spandex always hinted at a...

ill Mami | 09/14/2009 at 12:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Kicks & Giggles

MTV Might Just Save This 'West' For Last

This was just a bad weekend for Black people. From Kid Cudi's skinny jeans during Friday night's benefit concert at the Garden to Serena Williams' profanity-laced offer to become the linesjudge's ear, nose and throat doctor to Evander Holyfield's embarrassing...

Harlem | 09/14/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (17) | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Chaka Khan, Chaka Khan

What if that whole Kanye West/Taylor Swift thing was a set up by MTV? Hmmm... [IDOL]Pink lets her feelings about Kanye really be known. [BC]I believe the look on Beyoncé's face is known as mortification. [GWK]Behold Rihanna, Queen Of The...

ill Mami | 09/14/2009 at 10:00 AM | Comments (4) | Permalink

First Spin

Janet Jackson's 'Make Me' Is What We've Been Waiting For

No, your sleepy eyes do not deceive you, this is a special after hours post to shine the spotlight on Janet Jackson, who has already made my week and it has barely started. Not only did she pay tribute to...

Butta | 09/14/2009 at 3:00 AM | Comments (13) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Whitney's New Video Definitely A Good 'Look'

Well, after last week's less than inspiring appearance on Good Morning America, I'm sure I'm not alone in thinking that we needed something, anything from Whitney Houston that we could cheer about. We wanted to be able to raise our...

Harlem | 09/11/2009 at 6:15 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Listicle, Rap Snacks, SoulTube

Nine Reasons To Watch Tonight's Jay-Z Benefit Concert on FUSE

Today is a really solemn day. So many of us are walking around with full hearts, remembering the events of eight years ago, when our world was changed in the most stunning of ways. Still, today, it's hard to process...

Harlem | 09/11/2009 at 4:45 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

SoulTube, Video SoulBounce

TV One Catches Up With 'Kid' On 'Life After'

This weekend, TV One premieres Life After a new in-depth series in the tradition of UnSung, this time catching up with Christopher "Kid" Reid to find out what the former member of Kid N Play has been up to since...

Harlem | 09/11/2009 at 11:30 AM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Let's Dance, Let's Shout!

Now that BET has been put on blast, now what? [BV]Natalie Cole has triumphant return after her recent kidney transplant. [LAT]Which Queen of Hip Hop Soul cut class to watching the "Thriller" video as a child? [MTV]Quincy Jones has...

Ro | 09/11/2009 at 10:00 AM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

SoulTube

MTV's Latest Ad Is For The 'Glove' Of MJ

Kudos to whomever came up with this latest ad from MTV, in which the once-in-a-while music channel promotes its tribute to Michael Jackson during this Sunday's Video Music Awards with a flattering nod to the King of Pop that involves...gloves....

Harlem | 09/10/2009 at 4:30 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

SoulTube

Queen Latifah Is Right As 'Rain' On Late Night

The number one thing I love about Queen Latifah is that she seems to love to have fun. Like, she'd be the homegirl you'd call if you wanted to just kick it. Granted, she'd be the millionaire homegirl that could...

Harlem | 09/10/2009 at 2:15 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Maiysha Lays Down The 'Hammer'...Gently

To say that Harlem SoulBounce loves Maiysha would be an understatement. Ever since we came across her music last year, and had the chance to sit down and chat with her on the heels of her Grammy nomination, she's been...

Harlem | 09/10/2009 at 12:15 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

N'dambi Is A Vision Of Loveliness In 'Can't Hardly Wait'

The video for N'dambi's "Can't Hardly Wait" has finally surfaced and it's as smoking hot as the track for which it is for. In the clip, she is a photographer's muse while her man sits off to the side like...

Butta | 09/10/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Sing It, Sugar!

The Root welcomes Danyel Smith, its new executive editor. [NYT]Whitney's I Look To You debuts at #1 on the Billboard 200 charts. [BB]Ne-Yo is headed back to the big screen, this time in Battle: Los Angeles. [SR]Mary J. covers...

Harlem | 09/10/2009 at 10:00 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Rap Snacks

Q-Tip Talks 'Kamaal The Abstract'

Finally, Q-Tip speaks out about why it's taken so long for his "latest" album, Kamaal The Abstract to be released. Of course, by now you know that this was supposed to be the follow-up to Amplified, and was recorded in...

Harlem | 09/09/2009 at 3:00 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Bounce-Worthy

Bounce-Worthy: Quadron

I absolutely adore moody, heady music. It seems to set my mind at ease, and serves the same purpose that Jazz music does: to calm a cranky child, settle arguments, or put me to sleep. It is for this very...

ill Mami | 09/09/2009 at 1:00 PM | Comments (11) | Permalink

Releases, Reviews

'Blueprint 3' Suffers From Ennui, Maintains Street Cred Reviewers Say

Jay-Z's Blueprint 3 drops today in an attempt to curb the numerous "leaks" that have been dripped all over the internet in recent months. In fact, I'm willing to bet that many of you reading this right now have already...

ill Mami | 09/09/2009 at 12:00 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Soul Cynic

How Priscilla Renea Got Soul-ed Out Right Before Our Eyes

Have you guys been following the story of amateur singer Priscilla Renea? I have, and from the beginning, with her humble YouTube postings two years ago in her Vero Beach, FL bedroom to her singing her heart out on MTV's...

Harlem | 09/09/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (9) | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Turn Around You Fool

Additional details emerge about Michael Jackson's This Is It. [BC]50 Cent plans to kick "50 Cent" to the curb. Like the rest of us already have. [SP]Janet Jackson will honor Michael at the VMAs this Sunday during the show's...

Butta | 09/09/2009 at 10:00 AM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

A Soulful Noise

Nicolay's 'City Lights Vol. 2: Shibuya' Available Online Now, But Beware Of iTunes

Today is a day in which to rejoice, Nicolay fans! City Lights Vol. 2: Shibuya is now available online a week prior to the hard copy release date of next Tuesday, September 15th. Advance word is that this is...

Butta | 09/08/2009 at 11:30 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Cause When I'm Bad, I'm So, So Bad

Vote for J*DaVeY to get on MTV and become "the next big thing." [IWMM]Diana Ross makes ME want to run for the border. [CL]Erykah Badu talks the vegan lifestyle and let's her afro out to play. [C+D]Jay-Z and Alicia...

Butta | 09/08/2009 at 10:00 AM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Contests & Giveaways, Events

West Coast Bouncers: Win Tickets To See The Foreign Exchange In Concert!

I know it seems like other parts of the country have been having all of the giveaway fun, but we haven't forgotten about you, West Coast Bouncers! To prove that, we've teamed up with our partners in crime The Foreign...

Butta | 09/07/2009 at 6:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Video SoulBounce

J*DaVeY's 'Back'

J*DaVeY are the indisputable darlings of the difficult-to-categorize-their-sound music world. Nevertheless, they're super cute and bouncy individuals, and their work, particularly Miss Jack Davey's, on others' projects is nice as well. Even though I was more prone to this animated...

ill Mami | 09/07/2009 at 1:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink