Archive » A Soulful Noise

This page contains 287 entries posted under the "A Soulful Noise" category.

Mary Speaks On Why Life Is 'Precious'

Today, the much buzzed-about film Precious debuts in select theaters across the country. The story, of course, is the story of 16 year-old Claireece 'Precious' Jones, whose life was downright hopeless, and, over time, transformed into not only hopeful, but...

Harlem | 11/06/2009 at 2:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Mary Won't Be 'Stronger' Til Later This Year

This Just In: Mary J. Blige's new disc, Stronger, will be out in time for the holidays. Just during Christmas week, and not around Thanksgiving, as originally planned. Speculation has it that either Mary doesn't want to compete with fellow...

Harlem | 11/04/2009 at 5:00 PM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

Send One Up For Shawn Stockman

Nathan and Wanya Morris, of the legendary R&B group Boyz II Men, announced that their fellow bandmate, Shawn Stockman, has been diagnosed with the H1N1 virus aka swine flu. The illness prevented Shawn from performing at the 2009 Soul Train...

Fave | 11/04/2009 at 1:00 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

We're Still 'Lovin'' Shanice

Remember back in 1991, when Shanice released her second album, Inner Child? Although it seems so long ago, I guarantee you remember your favorite cuts. Mine were "I Love Your Smile" ("Blow, Branford. Blow!") and of course, her remake of...

Harlem | 11/04/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Melanie Fiona Takes 'The Bridge' Home

A few weeks ago, we were all intrigued when Melanie Fiona's camp released video footage of her performing songs from her debut album The Bridge alongside NYC street artists. It was a welcome bit of promotion and a stirring showcase...

Harlem | 10/27/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (6) | Permalink

Eric Roberson Bubbles On Billboard Charts

Major congratulations are in order for SoulBounce fave Eric Roberson who has landed on not one but two Billboard charts. He announced the good news on his blog this week and no one could be happier for him than us...

Butta | 10/22/2009 at 3:00 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Maxwell Fights Breast Cancer With New Single

As if we needed any more reasons to love Maxwell, the third single from his platinum pleaser BLACKsummers'night has been revealed to be "Fistful Of Tears" and he's using it to promote breast cancer awareness. With lyrics like "we gon'...

Butta | 10/22/2009 at 10:45 AM | Comments (3) | Permalink

The Angels Of PS22 Unveil Their 'Halo'

Reason #3948586 why Twitter is dope: it's there where you come across gems like I did this morning, via a re-tweet by none other than Ashton Kutcher about a chorus from New York's Public School 22, who have been literally...

Harlem | 10/19/2009 at 2:00 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Melanie Fiona's 'Subway Series' Is A Breath Of Fresh (NYC) Air

Impossible as this may be to believe, my love for Melanie Fiona grows by the day. Never have I seen an artist do as much creative promotion for a project as she has for The Bridge, which will be officially...

Harlem | 10/15/2009 at 2:00 PM | Comments (7) | Permalink

Happy Born Day, Erik Rico

Erik Rico is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and producer from North Carolina whose brand of electronically-fueled funk is enjoyed all over the world. This Bounce-Worthy artist is also a favorite amongst the SoulBounce camp for his dare-to-be-different approach to music...

Fave | 10/14/2009 at 2:30 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

With Two Years Till Armegeddon Bilal Blesses Us With New Album

Chances are you already own and have burned a hole into the copy of Bilal's Love For Sale that you hunted down even though it was never officially released. Chances are you've seen at least one of the amazing shows...

ill Mami | 10/09/2009 at 3:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

LAH! & RAH! Are Back...To Back!

Previously, on The LAH! & RAH! Show...If you've ever said to yourself that you like a certain artist so much, they could damn near read the phone book and you'd be thoroughly entertained, this might be the show for you....

Harlem | 10/07/2009 at 1:00 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

In France, Whitney's One In A 'Million'

If you've been wondering what's been going on with Whitney Houston since her album dropped last month, don't fret. The diva is touring to promote her latest release, I Look To You, and wowing audiences worldwide with live performances. Recently,...

Harlem | 10/07/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink

'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

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

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

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

Shanice Goes All 'Out' With Her MJ Tribute

It's been over two months since Michael Jackson passed away. Since then, we've been filling the void he left through his music, using it to mourn, to uplift, to laugh, to reminisce, and most importantly, to dance. With his body...

Harlem | 08/28/2009 at 5:00 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Alicia Keys Has 'Love' For Whitney Houston

We're merely days away from the release of the Whitney Houston relaunch project, I Look To You, which means the major hype campaign is under way. And thank goodness, because after years of more "Hell-to-the-no" jokes than I could stand,...

Harlem | 08/26/2009 at 5:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Meshell Ndegeocello To Put 'Devil's Halo' On Us Soon

The inimitable Meshell Ndegeocello is preparing to release her next album Devil's Halo in October and the tracklist looks as promising as any tracklisting can be. Especially when the artist specializes in quality and musicianship like Ndegeocello. Anything expressly influenced...

Ro | 08/21/2009 at 12:00 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Why The Norfolk State University Marching Band Is All 'That'

Let me put this out there: I love HBCUs (if you don't know what those are, please...educate yourself right now). And there's nothing more entertaining than the marching bands that showcase some of young America's best and brightest musicians. While...

Harlem | 08/20/2009 at 12:30 PM | Comments (11) | Permalink

?uestlove Talks 'Artistry', Finding The Perfect Blend

What's that you say? You'd like more insight on the upcoming Hennessey Artistry series, co-curated by Common and The Roots? Well, your wish is our command, as the brand's YouTube channel just realized an interview with Roots bandleader ?uestlove, who's...

Harlem | 08/18/2009 at 3:00 PM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

Why Don't We Care About Woodstock?

This past weekend marked the 40th Anniversary of Woodstock. I'll admit that in initially not caring about this cultural milestone. Firstly, I have always abhorred the idea of suffering for music by being in muddy conditions surrounded by a few...

ill Mami | 08/17/2009 at 2:00 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Q-Tip's 'Kamaal The Abstract' Tracklisting Now Available

The long, long awaited album Kamaal The Abstract from Q-Tip really looks like it's happening. No, really this time. Officially! There's a previously unreleased track ("Make It Work") in the mix as well, for those who are already well acquainted...

Ro | 08/14/2009 at 1:00 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

'This Is It': Michael Jackson Movie To Hit Screens This Halloween

So, did you hear the one about the movie studio that bought the film rights to the concert footage of greatest entertainer that ever lived? Yup, According to the Los Angeles Times, Sony Entertainment has paid upwards of $60 million...

Harlem | 08/11/2009 at 12:30 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Maxwell Is Not 'Pregnant'

Maxwell fans you can breathe a long, heavy sigh of relief. Contrary to the delusions of Tyrese a few weeks ago on Twitter, Maxwell is not on the new R. Kelly song "Pregnant." And thank the Lord, because after hearing...

Butta | 08/11/2009 at 10:45 AM | Comments (16) | Permalink

Maxwell Announces Fall Arena Tour With Chrisette Michele & Common

After two hugely successful sold-out tours last fall and this summer, and the release of his acclaimed and chart-topping new album BLACKsummers'night, Maxwell is hitting the road again this fall. And he's doing so with Chrisette Michele and Common in...

Ro | 08/07/2009 at 1:00 PM | Comments (13) | Permalink

Chico DeBarge Talks 'Addiction'

Most times, Twitter aside, we don't know what artists go through on a daily basis. We're not aware of their struggles and pain. We only hear what they want us to hear, or what the media tells us (read: Michael...

Harlem | 08/06/2009 at 2:00 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

First Look: Maxwell In GIANT Magazine

Feast your eyes on this exclusive first look at Maxwell on the cover and inside the pages of the September issue of GIANT magazine. Maxwell is featured on the front of the glossy with tie loosened, drink in hand,...

Butta | 07/31/2009 at 4:00 PM | Comments (10) | Permalink

Your 'Purple' Production is 25, Your Highness

Guess what turns 25 today? Purple Rain! Yeah, we're so old! Why, it seems like only yesterday we were made to close our eyes during the Lake Minnetonka sequence. ...

nOvaMatic | 07/27/2009 at 1:00 PM | Comments (20) | Permalink

When Getting 'Twisted' Was All About The Music

Wow, Keith Sweat. 1996. It's hard to believe that it's been that long since you've had a number one hit ('Nobody") on the Billboard (R&B) charts. It's also hard to believe that you're turning 48 today. I mean, sure you...

Harlem | 07/22/2009 at 2:00 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Maxwell Flies High

Currently enjoying the stellar success of his #1 stunna of an album, BLACKsummers'night, and a sold-out summer concert tour, Maxwell isn't one to just sit back and bask in his own glory. Matter of fact, he's not sitting down...

Butta | 07/22/2009 at 12:00 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Our Long-Overdue, Obligatory Janet Jackson Update

Janet Jackson, pictured here with her sisters LaToya and Rebbie on the day of brother Michael's funeral (credit) appears to have a lot to sort out in 2009. On the heels of her brother's death, reports are surfacing that she's...

nOvaMatic | 07/21/2009 at 2:30 PM | Comments (22) | Permalink

Awful Akon Track Included On New Whitney Album

Practically a year ago, a Whitney Houston track leaked called "Like I Never Left," featuring the insufferable Akon, who was possibly included to distract from the fact that Houston doesn't sound as great as in the past. Too bad that didn't...

nOvaMatic | 07/21/2009 at 1:00 PM | Comments (10) | Permalink

Carlitta Durand & Zo! To Release Projects On Official FE Music Imprint

Shibuya and "Purple Flip" are just the beginning, folks. Nicolay and Phonte have confirmed that The Foreign Exchange has expanded from an act to full-fledged imprint and plans to release albums by Carlitta Durand and Zo! This is something we've...

nOvaMatic | 07/21/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Look Who's Sexy & Sweet With A Touch Of Honey! Goapele, Of Course

Last week we hipped you all to Goapele's new single, "Milk & Honey" and mentioned that a video would be forthcoming. While we're all waiting on the video to reveal itself, we can gaze upon the ethereal Goapele as she...

ill Mami | 07/20/2009 at 4:30 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Unreleased Michael Jackson Music Could Provide Us Years of New Music

At least according to former Sony Music CEO Tommy Mottola, the amount of unreleased Michael Jackson material could provide us fans with years of new music from the entirety of his career. Mottola states that for every dozen songs recorded...

Ro | 07/16/2009 at 4:00 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Marsha Ambrosius: In Her Own Words

If you follow her on Twitter, you know how distraught and heartbroken former Floetry member Marsha Ambrosius was when Michael Jackson passed away. However, outside of her thoughts released via the micro blogging site, she never really spoke out about...

Harlem | 07/13/2009 at 3:00 PM | Comments (6) | Permalink

LAH! and RAH! Messin' Around In Session

What happens when you put two of the funniest, most creative, most ridiculously talented people in the same studio, lock the door and press "Record" on the video camera? You get the LAH! & RAH! Show, starring soulful songbirds Lalah...

Harlem | 07/08/2009 at 1:00 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Kenny Lattimore & Deborah Cox To Hit The Road

Now this is an unexpected treat to hear that Kenny Lattimore and Deborah Cox have a tour in the works kicking off this month. Dubbed "A Timeless Promise," the singers will be co-headlining in support of their recent releases, Lattimore's...

Butta | 07/08/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Dwele's Lovely Michael Jackson Tribute

As the tragic news of Michael Jackson's passing became the new reality for us all, tributes began flooding the internet. Amidst the heartfelt outpouring, Dwele quietly submitted a short video to his YouTube account wherein he uses a loop machine...

Ro | 06/29/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (11) | Permalink

Raphael Saadiq Takes Us to the 'Big Easy'

This is a live performance given by Raphael Saadiq that's featured on Live From The Artist's Den, a DVD that will be released on July 21st. It's of him singing "Big Easy" off of last year's fantastic The Way I...

Ro | 06/25/2009 at 12:00 PM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

Don't Forget The Lyrics: Maxwell's 'BLACKsummers'night' Edition

Since last week, AOL's The Boombox blog has been hosting the "Countdown to BLACKsummers'night" listening party, presenting a song a day from Maxwell's nine-track comeback album. For those who have yet to hear BLACK in its entirety (yes, the...

Butta | 06/24/2009 at 2:00 PM | Comments (20) | Permalink

'Motown @ 50' Presents Fifty Videos About the Legendary Label

Since it's the 50th Anniversary of the formation of Motown Records, the Detroit Free Press took it upon themselves to unearth and document some stories from the label's history. Fifty of them, to be precise. From ruminations on the difficult...

Ro | 06/22/2009 at 4:30 PM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

Maxwell Covers 'Billboard'

Gasp. Swoon. Rinse. Repeat. Maxwell, in all of his glorious glory, covers the June 27th edition of Billboard magazine as his long-awaited return BLACKsummers'night hits stores in a couple weeks. Between the action shot of Max channeling Smokey, Sam,...

Butta | 06/19/2009 at 5:30 PM | Comments (38) | Permalink

Celebrate The Possibility Of An Emmy For Jill Scott

The affable, gorgeous and multi-talented Jill Scott is gearing up for Emmy season by, well, not giving the possibility of an nomination for her work as the protagonist in No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, Precious. After getting her high hopes...

Ro | 06/19/2009 at 2:00 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Listen To Samples Of Ledisi's 'Turn Me Loose'

Last week we received confirmation that Ledisi's new album, Turn Me Loose, will be arriving this August to make summer even hotter, and now we get to hear some of her future hits. That's the good news. The bad news...

Butta | 06/17/2009 at 3:00 PM | Comments (7) | Permalink

Eric Benét Hosts The New Season Of 'Lyric Cafe'

Eric Benét has already conquered music, he's dabbled in acting and now he can add television host to his resume when the fourth season of BETJ's Lyric Cafe hits the air later this year. Eric was in Washington, DC...

Butta | 06/16/2009 at 2:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Melanie Fiona & Questlove 'Mixtape' Coming Soon

If you're anything like us, then you're probably wondering where in the world Melanie Fiona's debut album The Bridge is. Her first single "Give It To Me Right" (video after the bounce) has been caressing our eardrums for a while...

Butta | 06/15/2009 at 11:00 AM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

New Ledisi Album To Be Turned 'Loose' This August

How excited are we to find out that Ledisi has a new album coming our way this August? Very! Her stellar Christmas album was just enough to tide us over last year after we wore out 2007's Lost &...

Butta | 06/12/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (4) | Permalink

What Can We Expect From The New Mariah Carey Album?

We are so conflicted about Mariah Carey, but one thing we're certain of is that she's simply bursting with amusing blog fodder. The first single from the forthcoming Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel is entitled "Obsessed" and is due to...

nOvaMatic | 06/11/2009 at 4:00 PM | Comments (9) | Permalink

Eric Roberson Album News & Photo Shoot

It's been a whole two days since I've mentioned Eric Roberson on SoulBounce, but I'm not sleeping on my job because much like Erykah Badu I stay woke when it comes to all things Erro. And I'd be remiss if...

Butta | 06/08/2009 at 4:00 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Kelis Angrily Tweets That She Hates Nas So Much Right Now

Let's preface this post with a big old advisory that anything posted on Twitter is alleged since there are so many fake accounts and there's so much backtracking that goes on over there. That said, over the weekend Kelis ranted about...

Ro | 06/08/2009 at 3:00 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Anthony Hamilton Plans To Release New Album Soon

After the three-year pause between his last two albums, Anthony Hamilton is bent on not waiting so long for his next release. In an interview with Billboard.com he claims that he's already got about a dozen songs ready to go...

Ro | 06/04/2009 at 4:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Sade Is In The Studio, May Release Album Later This Year

After the launch of bogus website sade2009.com and Maxwell's recent proclamation that Sade's new material is "monolithic," it appeared that Sade would definitely be releasing a new album this year. Though all the information has been speculative about her first album...

Ro | 06/03/2009 at 4:00 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

New Amerie Album Due This August

Amerie fans and stans, rejoice! Def Jam has now given official word that In Love & War, her fourth album and first on the label, will be released this August. Thankfully we won't have to wait that long to...

Butta | 06/03/2009 at 2:00 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

The 'Spotlight' Shines on Jennifer Hudson's Pregnancy

Breaking news: Jennifer Hudson is expecting her first child! Though there is some fuzziness around how far along she is, it's speculated that she's as far as seven months. She celebrated with friends and family at a small baby shower this past...

Ro | 06/01/2009 at 3:00 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Eve Takes A Stand, Calls Chris Brown Out

So, Eve went on a Twitter rampage (Twitterage?) in which she railed against alleged abuser Chris Brown's YouTube statement where he insists he is not a monster. (Find the video yourself, no links here.) It was one of the most endearing and brave...

Ro | 05/29/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (6) | Permalink

Is RichGirl The Next Girl Group Of Note?

Ever since Destiny's Child took an L, people have been bemoaning the death of the girl group. And with good reason, because no one has yet to fill their stilettos and there's a noticeable void in R&B despite new groups...

Butta | 05/28/2009 at 2:00 PM | Comments (16) | Permalink

Teena Marie Is Back To 'Square' One

Raise your hand if you're ready for more Teena Marie! Well, so are we, and thankfully, we won't have to wait much longer as the legendary Lady Tee's new disc on the Stax Records imprint, Congo Square, is set to...

Harlem | 05/28/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Hope You're Not Sick Of Beyoncé Yet

If you're suffering from Beyoncitis--that's the chronic condition of Beyoncé overload--then good luck with that because swine flu aint got nothing on this. The grand dame of Rhythm & Pop will be giving her lovers and haters more fuel...

Butta | 05/27/2009 at 4:00 PM | Comments (10) | Permalink

Boyz II Men Collaborating On Music Scholarship

During a question and answer session at the Minneapolis Institute of Production and Recording, it was revealed that Boyz II Men would be working with them on a scholarship program they are developing. The details about said scholarship are...

Ro | 05/27/2009 at 1:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Stylistically Simple Yet Substantial In Scope, We Present Maxwell's New Album Cover

Ladies and gentlemen, it is official. It is not a fluke, tease, or unfulfilled promise this time. Maxwell's new album, BLACKsummers' night, set for release on July 7th, will shortly be a reality. Not only is there an honest-to-God...

ill Mami | 05/25/2009 at 1:00 PM | Comments (8) | Permalink

Natalie Cole Pleas For New Kidney On CNN, Offers Roll In

Last night Natalie Cole appeared on CNN's Larry King Live to discuss her diagnosis with Hepatitis C, struggle with renal failure and urgent need for a kidney transplant. Cole shared with Larry King that her disease was caused by years...

Butta | 04/01/2009 at 6:00 PM | Comments (6) | Permalink

Maxwell Teases Fans With Shots From 'Pretty Wings'

Aside from being known for testing the patience of his devoted fanbase, Maxwell is also known for creating a truly sensual visual experience in his videos. This is why he looked to Philip Andelman (who also helmed clips for Jay-Z's "I...

nOvaMatic | 04/01/2009 at 3:40 PM | Comments (18) | Permalink

Erykah Badu Opens Up About Her Loves On Twitter

Twitter, the current online fad sweeping the internet, provides anyone the opportunity to microblog about anything their heart may desire. In Erykah Badu's case, this recently amounted to her opening up, albeit to a worldwide audience, about her love of...

ill Mami | 04/01/2009 at 12:00 PM | Comments (17) | Permalink

Judge Dismisses Case Against Wayna

There's good news to report today: at the request of prosecutors, a judge in Houston has dismissed the case against Wayna who was arrested earlier in the week for attempting to board a plane with a collapsible police baton in...

Butta | 03/27/2009 at 1:00 PM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

Wayna's 'Billy Club' Comes Back To Haunt Her

In an ironic turn of events, Grammy-nominated singer (and SoulBounce favorite) Wayna was arrested yesterday in Houston on a third degree felony weapons charge. Blog Bloom Effect reported that Wayna was detained and questioned at the Houston Airport after...

Dar | 03/26/2009 at 5:30 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Happy Birthday, Aretha Franklin

To say that you love someone unconditionally means that you care about them so deeply, so readily, that no matter what they do or say, or how they act, you never waver. You have their back. That type of love...

Harlem | 03/25/2009 at 5:00 PM | Comments (6) | Permalink

Who Is President Obama Bumping On Air Force One?

By now it's common knowledge that President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle are huge music fans with exceptional taste. They've already had music icons like Stevie Wonder and Earth, Wind & Fire perform at the White House, and they've...

Butta | 03/25/2009 at 12:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

India.Arie, Adele Get In Tune With Walmart's 'Soundcheck'

When you hear the name Walmart you probably think of it as the go-to place for everything from detergent to dental floss to $5 DVDs, but as it turns out, up until last year Walmart was also the number one music...

Butta | 03/24/2009 at 5:00 PM | Permalink

Is 2009 Gonna Turn Into The Year of Thicke?

Once upon a time in the early '00s there was a long-haired dude with big ideas about music who went by the name of Thicke and released one of the most interesting progressive R&B albums of that time, Cherry Blue...

Ro | 03/18/2009 at 3:00 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Maxwell Pens Passionate Letter To Fans, Implores You To Buy Prince & Sade

One of the last few times we mentioned Maxwell on Soulbounce, we were a bit, howdoyousay, irritated. While we were in no way able to predict the economic downturn that this country has found itself in, we were amazed at the...

ill Mami | 03/13/2009 at 1:45 PM | Comments (12) | Permalink

The Roots' Day Job Won't Stop Them From Touring

Even though the newness of Late Night With Jimmy Fallon hasn't worn off, The Legendary Roots Crew have already gotten the itch to tour again. Okayplayer announced the April dates for the tour and for special events hosted by ?uestlove....

Ro | 03/13/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Al B. Sure! Has Found A New 'Home' At Hidden Beach

Although he hasn't released any new music since the early '90s, Al B. Sure! has stayed on his grind. He's been busy as a radio DJ for the majority of that time, he was last seen on MTV's Rock the...

Butta | 03/11/2009 at 1:00 PM | Comments (19) | Permalink

Glamour Reimagines Female Icons For Women's History Month

Glamour magazine, my favorite go-to publication for looking at fashion faux pas and the black boxes that cover their eyes, has managed to get some of Hollywood's hottest talent to pose as some of this country's most iconic women. Paula...

ill Mami | 03/04/2009 at 3:15 PM | Comments (7) | Permalink

Stevie Wonder Is 'Live At Last'

As one of the many who were able to see him live on his A Wonder's Summer Night Tour that brought joy to the masses last summer, I can fully attest to the brilliance of Stevie Wonder live. But when...

Ro | 03/03/2009 at 12:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Adele Is Helming US Tour

Adele, fresh from her Grammy wins and still teeming with critical praise, will be headlining a tour across the United States. She's definitely proving that chasing pavements is also synonymous with hustling hard, but is still really humble and pragmatic...

Ro | 02/24/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Is Jazmine Sullivan the New Jennifer Hudson?

It's impossible to adequately compare award show darling Jennifer Hudson and recently snubbed Jazmine Sullivan. The effort is not worth the ends. Nevertheless, Jazmine Sullivan is unfazed by her five Grammy snubs (robbed!) and is not wasting her time in...

Ro | 02/19/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (28) | Permalink

Rumor Control: Adele Has No Plans To Work With Estelle

For all those who got excited when they heard the widely reported news that British singers Adele and Estelle would sing a duet together at some point this year, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it's...

Butta | 02/16/2009 at 11:30 AM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Happy Birthday, D'Angelo!

What do you say to a man all of 35-years-old today, who ushered in the Neo-Soul movement back when that very term was not considered trite and overused? What do you say to a man who wears his emotions...

ill Mami | 02/11/2009 at 3:00 PM | Comments (8) | Permalink

Calling All Music Fans: Be a Part of Eric Roberson's New Album

We are counting the days until we get our hands on Eric Roberson's new album here at SoulBounce. Since we last checked in with Erro, he has decided to release his next collection in June, and we're 99% sure that...

Butta | 02/11/2009 at 11:30 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Confirmed: Jam & Lewis Have Reunited with Janet

Full disclosure: While we are generally pleased that Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are back working with Janet Jackson, let us pray that whatever they're putting together is marinated and slow-cooked. At this point in time, it's too soon to...

nOvaMatic | 02/10/2009 at 2:00 PM | Comments (8) | Permalink

Thank Goodness This Doesn't Apply To Us

And by "us," I am referring to you, dear reader because to be on this website at all means that you have refined and discriminating musical taste. Time Magazine recently published an article discussing Auto-Tune and its impact on...

ill Mami | 02/09/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (9) | Permalink

Happy 64th, Bob Marley!

Bob Marley's influence and legacy is so strong that when I hear multi-generational die-hard fans speak about wishing he was still here you believe it and wish it, too. From his work with The Wailers to his solo career, the...

Ro | 02/06/2009 at 5:20 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Happy Birthday, Bobby Brown

Wow. Is it 40 already? What is there to say about the man who's seemingly been through everything (including a mild heart attack and multiple arrests)? What do you say about the man who's entertained us endlessly over the past...

Harlem | 02/05/2009 at 4:30 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Get Jennifer Hudson's Super Bowl National Anthem Performance On iTunes

Much has been said about Jennifer Hudson's performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at this past Sunday's Super Bowl. Was it live? Was it Memorex? At the end the day, does it really matter? JHud sung the draws off that song...

Butta | 02/04/2009 at 1:30 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

New Label, New Album For Leela James

Four years after her debut album blew the roof off the sucker, Leela James is returning this Spring with a new album to quench the thirst of those wanting another hit of her gut-bucket soul. Let's Do It Again...

Butta | 02/03/2009 at 2:30 PM | Comments (10) | Permalink

Prince Shares His 'Lotus Flow3r' With A Select, Fortunate Few

The Purple One--he who is prolific and genius and introduced us to "Darling Nikki"--is getting ready to anoint us with three albums this year through his new website, lotusflow3r.com. Over the weekend Prince hosted the type of launch party/live performance...

Ro | 02/02/2009 at 1:00 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Analog Girl Gives Birth To Digital Baby

Congratulations are in order for Jay Electronica and Erykah Badu, on the birth of their new daughter. We've been waiting for this special delivery since earlier today when they both "tweeted" that she'd gone into labor. Now we await, once...

nOvaMatic | 02/01/2009 at 3:54 PM | Comments (20) | Permalink

Jennifer Hudson Still Busily Setting The Stage For Major Comeback

Jennifer Hudson is about to embark on a multimedia blitz of a comeback that is both greatly anticipated and wholly audacious. In addition to scheduled performances at the Super Bowl and the Grammy Awards, and her NAACP Image award nominations,...

Ro | 01/29/2009 at 3:30 PM | Comments (6) | Permalink

Destiny's Stepchild, Kelly Rowland, Finally Gets A Clue

While Beyoncé was busy serenading the first couple and Michelle Williams was busy defending herself against haters on YouTube, Kelly Rowland was secretly plotting her exit from the clutches of manager Mathew Knowles like a runaway slave breaking free from massa...

Butta | 01/28/2009 at 6:30 PM | Comments (15) | Permalink

Queen Latifah To Author Inspirational Book

Queen Latifah continues to prove herself to be one of the most successful multifaceted entrepreneurs in the game. She stays on her grind. And now she'll be working with Grand Central Publishing to pen what appears to be something of...

Ro | 01/26/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Help Eric Roberson Name His NEW Album!!!

Please excuse all the exclamation marks in the title of this post, but to say that I'm excited to get official news that Eric Roberson's new album is coming this year is a serious understatement. Erro recorded the following video...

Butta | 01/16/2009 at 1:00 PM | Comments (10) | Permalink

Wanna Be in the New Dwele Video? Then Learn This Song

This week Dwele announced on his MySpace blog that he was in the process of shooting the video for "A Few Reasons" and wants fans to get in on the act:I'm shootin a video for A Few Reasons ... Myself!...

nOvaMatic | 01/16/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Jennifer Hudson To Appear At Super Bowl

Of all the events at which to reemerge, The Super Bowl might be the most spectacular. It was recently announced that Jennifer Hudson will be performing at American football's biggest night by E! News, and an NFL spokesperson confirmed that...

Ro | 01/14/2009 at 4:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

A B.I.G. Deal? It's Beginning To Look Like It

Are you excited yet? Are you pumped up? It's t-minus two days and counting until the official big screen release of the Fox Searchlight film Notorious. We'll be the first to admit that this project was met with great, great...

Harlem | 01/14/2009 at 2:00 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Happy Belated Birthday, Motown!

So yesterday marked the 50th Anniversary of the record label that changed it all: Motown Records. This milestone passed by silently around these parts, but it is no less important and worthy of a year long celebration. There should be...

Ro | 01/13/2009 at 4:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

3 Albums in One Year? Prince Might Be the One to Pull It Off

As you've no doubt heard already, our favorite former freak turned strident JW, The Artist Formally Known As Sane Prince is threatening promising to release three full albums in 2009. There's even a fresh new website heralding this phenomenon. After...

nOvaMatic | 01/06/2009 at 11:00 AM | Comments (5) | Permalink

India.Arie's 'Love & Politics' Is Happening, And Here's The Tracklist To Prove It

India.Arie has been working hard in during the nearly three years she's not released a studio album, the fruits of which were her own record label (Soulbird Music) and its first release (Anthony David's Acey Ducey). Those of us longing...

Ro | 01/05/2009 at 2:00 PM | Comments (6) | Permalink

Ne-Yo and VH1 Save The Music Bring Holiday Cheer to an Atlanta School

In case you're a sitting on a large trust fund and know nothing of the plight of the common folk, you understand that this recession is no joke. And when it comes to already fledgling public school arts programs, it's...

Ro | 12/16/2008 at 3:30 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Estelle & Adele to Collaborate...Seriously

Yes, you read that right. UK soul singers Estelle and Adele will be joining forces and collaborating on a new track in the new year. There's no word yet on whose album the song will appear on, as both breakout...

Butta | 12/12/2008 at 2:00 PM | Comments (6) | Permalink

Mariah Carey to Remind Us of Her Brilliance With Ballads Album

The phenom with the enormous vocal range who dominated pop music in the '90s is set to remind us of how and why we came to love her. Sometimes it feels like a lifetime ago when we could expect Mariah...

Ro | 12/11/2008 at 2:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Michael Jackson For Sale

Damn, homie. You used to be the man, homie...Is Michael Jackson having the worst year ever or what? Seriously, think about it. He turned 50--and looks it. He doesn't talk to his family. He can hang up any hopes of...

Butta | 12/10/2008 at 5:30 PM | Comments (6) | Permalink

Grammy Nominations More Interesting Than Anticipated

Last night the Grammy Award nominees were announced amid the questionability of the television special hosted by LL Cool J. Only a few of the many categories' nominees were announced at that time, but the complete list was made available...

Ro | 12/04/2008 at 4:00 PM | Comments (15) | Permalink

'Tis the Grammy Season

In this moment of economic hardship when much of the usual holiday decadence has forced into moderation, even the ridiculously superfluous Grammy Awards announcement extravaganza has had to cut back ticket prices; it's likely the Grammys' conservativeness will be evident...

Ro | 12/02/2008 at 4:30 PM | Comments (12) | Permalink

'The Best Of Chess Records' Offers Originals of Songs in the Upcoming Film 'Cadillac Records'

When the track list for the Cadillac Records soundtrack was released, we pondered whether or not it would deliver in the face of some questionable covers and makeovers. Capitalizing on the building interest in the music and label, Chess Records,...

Ro | 12/01/2008 at 7:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

First Ever MTV Africa Awards is the Most Relevant Thing MTV's Done Lately

It's interesting that as MTV continues its unrelenting march toward obsolescence it's subsidiary, MTV Base Africa, hosts the first ever MTV Africa Awards, which is arguably the most relevant thing the global network has done in some time. While it's...

Ro | 11/24/2008 at 1:00 PM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

Jennifer Hudson's Resilience is Admirable

In light of the horrendous, unimaginably tragic deaths of her mother, brother, and nephew, it would be completely understandable if Jennifer Hudson took an indefinite hiatus from everything. So, the fact that she will be appearing in the holiday ad...

Ro | 11/14/2008 at 3:00 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Anthony Hamilton Blogs His 'Playin' It Cool' Tour

The upswing in singers and musicians writing blogs has its positives and its negatives (example of both: Kanye's blog). While they can be wonderful insights into the thoughts and lives of their authors, they are also often not updated regularly...

Ro | 11/12/2008 at 11:00 AM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Can Barack and Michelle's Relationship Trigger a Love Renaissance for R&B?

There is an inordinate amount of projecting going on when it comes to President-elect Barack Obama's influence on music and arts in general. It seems as though he's expected to single-handedly usher in the rebirth of traditionally black music, starting...

Ro | 11/10/2008 at 12:00 PM | Comments (6) | Permalink

New Entertainment Awards Show to Air on Diverse, Good Music Dumping Ground BETJ

A few years ago, BET Jazz became BETJ and incorporated more alternative soul, R&B and hip-hop music into its Jazz-centric programming as regular BET became less tolerant of quality in general. We all know about the shenanigan-gasm that was the...

Ro | 11/06/2008 at 11:00 AM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Election Swan-Song Question: What Will the Next President Do for the Arts?

This is an excellent question, one that has been given approximately zero attention amid all of the election talk. It is an important one, heavily impacted by the current economic crisis and one that comes on the tails of one...

Ro | 11/03/2008 at 1:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Maxwell Converses With LA Times, Feels Rejuvenated

Two months ago, November meant two things to me: voting in this year's election and going to see Maxwell when he arrived in Los Angeles. Alas, Maxwell has come and gone due to my desire to want to keep a...

ill Mami | 11/03/2008 at 12:00 PM | Comments (12) | Permalink

Melinda Doolittle Is 'Coming Back to You' Next Year

And now for some good news from a former American Idol finalist. This from Season 6 contestant Melinda Doolittle, who came in third place behind both eventual winner Jordin Sparks and runner-up Blake Lewis in the annual popularity contest competition....

Harlem | 10/30/2008 at 4:45 PM | Comments (10) | Permalink

Battle of the Marvin Gaye Biopics: Should They Only be About the Music?

Earlier this year there was news of two Marvin Gaye biopics in the early stages of production. The first, called Sexual Healing, is slated for release sometime next year and the second, called Marvin, should hit theaters in 2010. It...

Ro | 10/30/2008 at 4:00 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Could Solange Be The Next Janet?

There are a lot of similarities in the stories of Solange and Janet Jackson in her early solo days, as detailed in an article about the younger Knowles for VIBE. Both have had to struggle against the fame of older,...

Ro | 10/29/2008 at 3:00 PM | Comments (22) | Permalink

Tweet Has a New Release Date? Oh My.

Allegedly the new release date for Tweet's album Love, Tweet is December 9. This comes nearly a full year after the initial promotional push and a sampler of the the album began circulating on the internet. There are even some...

Ro | 10/28/2008 at 3:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Nicolay Calls Kanye Out For Gratuitous Auto-Tune Usage

While none of us have heard Kanye West's 808's & Heartbreak, many of use have already made up our minds regarding whether his use of Auto-Tune is warranted or just plain overkill. Ruling in on the Auto-Tuning of Kanye's forthcoming...

ill Mami | 10/28/2008 at 1:00 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Jennifer Hudson Is In Our Thoughts and Prayers

We tend to think we know Jennifer Hudson because we know her music, and her movie roles, her engagement news and what's up next on her professional plate. Because we know all of that, and maybe some interesting "tidbits" learned...

Harlem | 10/26/2008 at 12:00 PM | Comments (15) | Permalink

Alternative Soul Topping The Charts

Please give me the luxury, if you will, to refer to UK Blue-Eyed Soul and Downtempo for the majority of music consumers as "Alternative Soul." Following this logic, that there are now people purchasing music that you and I take...

ill Mami | 10/23/2008 at 10:45 AM | Comments (4) | Permalink

'O.P.P.' May Just Save Your Life

For those of you familiar with CPR and those who are not, timing chest compressions is key when attempting to revive someone whose heart has stopped beating. Turns out that any song set to 100 beats per minute according to...

ill Mami | 10/17/2008 at 1:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

The Not-So-Secret Life of A. Keys

Let's be clear. These days, Alicia Keys is everywhere. Starting today, she's on the big screen starring alongside an all-star cast in the film The Secret Life of Bees. She's also fresh from collaborating with rocker Jack White, recording the...

Harlem | 10/17/2008 at 11:30 AM | Comments (6) | Permalink

I Want to Give Leela James & Chris Pierce My 'Private Number'

The Soul Men soundtrack is full of great artists: Meshell Ndegeocello, John Legend, Anthony Hamilton, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, to name a few. Additionally, Bernie Mac and Samuel L. Jackson make multiple appearances on the album, the contents...

Ro | 10/14/2008 at 1:00 PM | Permalink

Michelle Obama Is In Camp 'David'

Camp Anthony David, that is. In an extensive interview with Marie Claire magazine, Michelle Obama--the woman who is poised to be the nation's first-ever African American First Lady--was asked about everything from stress to the bailout mess. She told interviewer...

Harlem | 10/13/2008 at 2:30 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

'Green Light' Remix Coming Soon

It's weeks before the album is even released and John Legend has announced that the lead single from Evolver, "Green Light," has been remixed by Swizz Beats. Apparently the single is but a shadow of its original self, with...

Ro | 10/13/2008 at 10:45 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Queen Latifah Reigns Supreme

A mogul in her own right, Queen Latifah rarely gets the type of attention that her male counterparts do. Perhaps its because her company focuses on women-centric projects and the Latifah brand, something that lacks the typified swag-hustle of rappers...

Ro | 10/07/2008 at 1:30 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Grace Jones & Amy Winehouse Duet Is Like A Match Made In S&M Dreamland

As told to UK's Bang Showbiz, Grace Jones has expressed her interest in dueting with Amy Winehouse. Confused yet? Don't be. If there's one thing the oft-tantrumed Jones is famous for, besides being fierce even at 60-years-old, is her random...

ill Mami | 10/07/2008 at 11:00 AM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Will Ray J + Brandy = 'R&B' Success?

Yesterday, while on New York radio station Hot 97 to promote her new album Human, Brandy put the word out that she and little brother Ray J are in the early planning stages for what will be their first collaborative...

Harlem | 10/03/2008 at 11:10 AM | Comments (4) | Permalink

SugaRush Beat Company's Debut as Diverse as Its Membership

The eponymous debut album of SugaRush Beat Company was just released in the UK, and it's somewhat surprising that this group is on so few musical radars on both sides of the pond. It isn't so much that they could...

Ro | 10/01/2008 at 12:00 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Jennifer Hudson Is Thankful for 'Jennifer Hudson'

What a month it's turning out to be for Jennifer Hudson. Let's see, she got engaged on her birthday and has a new movie (The Secret Life of Bees) due next month. Hmm, what else? Oh yes, her highly-anticipated, self-titled...

Harlem | 09/30/2008 at 4:00 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Could 112's Slim Be Bringing Us That Long-Awaited Faith Album?

Am I overstating with the whole "long-awaited" bit? Perhaps. But honestly, when it comes to R&B delivered by a female over 30 with a touch of Hip Hop that isn't Mary, Faith Evans fits the need perfectly. Today's rumor (until verified...

nOvaMatic | 09/30/2008 at 2:48 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Quincy Jones Is Through With Michael Jackson, Has Tribute Album in the Works

Well so much for my wishful thinking that Quincy Jones might reteam with Michael Jackson on his new album because that has about as much chance of happening as me voting for McCain/Palin. When speaking to Roger Friedman from...

Butta | 09/25/2008 at 1:20 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Amerie Gets a New Release Date! Yay! For An Old Album. Boo.

This latest album news from Amerie will either be met with a happy dance or a blank stare, but the geniuses over at her old record company (Sony BMG) have decided to finally bless the public with the heretofore unreleased...

Butta | 09/24/2008 at 12:30 PM | Comments (19) | Permalink

Reality TV Shows Being Given Away, Keith Sweat Snags Three

Apparently Keith Sweat may have two reality television shows in the works. Who is exactly is conceptualizing and funding projects like these anyway? The Keep New Jack Alive Alliance? Pebbles and Teddy Riley? Anyway, It isn't like he's entirely irrelevant....

Ro | 09/18/2008 at 11:00 AM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Darius Rucker and Phantom Limb Bring Twang, Raise Questions

Full disclosure: Sometimes I'm a little bit Country (I know I'm not the only one). On more than one occasion I have cleaned out horse stalls, and I kind of enjoy Shania Twain. A lot.It's difficult, though, when it comes...

Ro | 09/17/2008 at 2:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Erykah Badu Offers Insights Into 'New Amerykah Part Two'

After her concert in Los Angeles for the Vortex Tour, Erykah Badu gave an exclusive interview to Tunji from Inverse that has just been posted on Okayplayer. Although she looks semi-terrifying and appears to be finding lucidity between exhaustion (the...

Ro | 09/12/2008 at 11:00 AM | Comments (19) | Permalink

Avant Returns With 'Avant'

SoulBounce has bemoaned the lack of grown man/woman R&B time and time again. We're not mad at the Chris Brown's, Rihanna's and Trey Songz's of the world (OK, maybe we are), but for those of us over the age...

Butta | 09/11/2008 at 3:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

All-4-One Has A New Record Deal, 'I Swear'

Although most people probably only know All-4-One as the mid-nineties R&B group that sang the hit "I Swear," they have been steadily recording for years. Solo projects have kept the members busy between albums as well. Delious Kennedy has been...

Ro | 09/10/2008 at 3:15 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Paging Faith Evans!

Don't hold your breath for any new material from Faith Evans. Basically, she's been doing everything but recording music, and that's the way things will remain for a little longer, she tells SoulTracks. She's no longer signed to Capitol Records,...

nOvaMatic | 09/10/2008 at 10:44 AM | Comments (12) | Permalink

Sugar Pie DeSanto, Chaka Khan and More to be Celebrated at Pioneer Awards Tonight

The R&B Foundation is holding their Pioneer Awards ceremony and 20th anniversary celebration tonight in Philadelphia. This event will also award Kool & The Gang, Bill Withers, Teena Marie, The Whispers, The Funk Brothers and Al Bell of Stax...

Ro | 09/09/2008 at 3:30 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

What Was to Blame For Michael's Absence at the BMI Awards Last Night?

Last night the Jacksons were awarded the lifetime achievement BMI Icon award during the BMI Urban Awards ceremony held in Beverly Hills. Tito, Jackie, Marlon, Jermaine and Jackie were all in attendance. The ever elusive Michael, however, was nowhere to...

Ro | 09/05/2008 at 5:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Janet and Label Turn a 'Def' Ear to One Another

How fitting is it that Janet Jackson added LL Cool J, another Def Jam artist and one due to depart, to her tour? They should almost be calling it the "Eff Def Jam" tour, since Janet has recently revealed "I...

nOvaMatic | 09/05/2008 at 3:32 PM | Comments (16) | Permalink

How Far Back Into Musical History Should Amy Dig?

About a week ago there was news that the poster-child for the recent Motown revival, Amy Winehouse, will be using music from the original The Wizard of Oz soundtrack as inspiration for her next album. Really? A Winehouse rendition of...

Ro | 09/04/2008 at 1:30 PM | Comments (12) | Permalink

Estelle's 'American Boy' Removed from iTunes by Warner To Trigger Sales, Hurts Them Instead

Regardless of the argument that artistry should trump sales when it comes to music, money still matters to major record labels and thus matters to the artists they sign. So it comes as no shock that a record label would...

Ro | 09/03/2008 at 10:40 AM | Comments (6) | Permalink

Another 'Unauthorized' Leak, Another Artist That Doesn't Get It

Last week, we asked our intrepid readers if labels should hold themselves accountable for leaks and the response was an overwhelming "yes." Sure, the blogs and downloaders perpetuate the entire mess, but leaks don't originate from nowhere. Can someone please tell...

nOvaMatic | 09/01/2008 at 11:54 AM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Janet Jackson + LL Cool J = Something That Should've Happened Eons Ago

So LL Cool J is the opening act for Janet Jackson's tour. This news comes to us via the man responsible for the darkest period of Janet's career, Jermaine Dupri. Watch in the video below as JD bugs a preparing...

nOvaMatic | 08/31/2008 at 3:28 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Robin Thicke is Ready for 'Something Else,' and So Are We

Robin Thicke gets a lot of attention here at SoulBounce, and with good reason. He is one of those artists helping to expand the common perception of who a soul musician is and what contemporary soul music should sound like....

Ro | 08/29/2008 at 12:00 PM | Comments (22) | Permalink

Conya's for Obama!

Add the soulful voice of recording artist Conya Doss to the growing throngs of entertainers who are standing up for Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama. Last night, while trolling the nets (ironically, right after Mr. Obama's acceptance speech), I came...

Harlem | 08/29/2008 at 11:30 AM | Permalink

'I Was Bored In The Studio' Explains T-Pain of His Gospel Sample

Earlier this year a leak of what was supposed to be a new single from T-Pain hit the internet and gained an exceptional amount of momentum, allegedly getting 400,000 downloads in its first day online. Of course this is exactly...

Ro | 08/28/2008 at 3:35 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

We Reiterate: Michael Jackson Turns 50 Tomorrow

Hello, World. SoulBounce here. Much was made of Madonna turning 50 this year by the MSM (Mainstream Media) and our favorite niche blogs, but nearly no one has mentioned that Michael Jackson is turning 50 as well. What's really going...

nOvaMatic | 08/28/2008 at 11:45 AM | Comments (8) | Permalink

Ledisi to Make a Joyful Noise With 'It's Christmas'

As SoulBounce first reported in June, Ledisi has a Christmas album on the way and now the cover art and tracklisting have surfaced to whet our appetites for her tidings of joy. The simple yet beautiful cover gives a nod...

Butta | 08/27/2008 at 1:40 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Wyclef Uses Venus Williams as Muse for New Music

Wyclef Jean and Venus Williams got a thang going on. Actually, a few thangs. First, they are set to appear together on the fourth season of Iconoclasts on the Sundance channel this November. (There is also one featuring Alicia...

Ro | 08/25/2008 at 10:40 AM | Permalink

Congrats On Your New Publishing Deal, Johnta. When's Your Album Coming Out?

We're not sure what the hell is going on between Jermaine Dupri and Def Jam, nor do we care--as long as Johnta Austin's album, whether it's called Ocean Drive (overdue by an entire year at least) or Love, Sex &...

nOvaMatic | 08/22/2008 at 11:55 AM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Stan for Raphael Saadiq and Win Big!

Oh snap! Raphael Saadiq will be treating a devoted fan to a taping of VH1 Soulstage and a live performance in NYC if they can answer 5 questions correctly: 1. Where was Raphael Saadiq born and raised?2. After high school,...

nOvaMatic | 08/21/2008 at 12:35 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Aretha to Drop Holiday Album

The Queen of Soul will release the first holiday themed album of her illustrious career. Apparently, her label and managers convinced her that this was not a lucrative venture. For over forty years. The fact that Aretha Franklin has never...

Ro | 08/20/2008 at 4:15 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Maxwell Gasp Is Pant Going on TOUR!!!

There are simply not enough abbreviations to explain the excitement housed within my tingling body after I discovered that the man, the myth, the legend of Maxwell is going to be touring in the fall. In short, we here at...

ill Mami | 08/19/2008 at 12:00 PM | Comments (16) | Permalink

Vinyl Isn't Just For DJs Anymore as Sales Are on the Rise

According to an article published in the Los Angeles Times, you may soon find yourself fighting with your child over whose turn it is to man the turntables. In a world where music downloads are such the exception that many...

ill Mami | 08/18/2008 at 3:50 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Rxlngr Slings Musical Gems

Rock Slinger Incorporated is one of those independent labels that manages to be innovative, diverse and talented. Little more than a year old, it already has an impressive roster of artists, including Bounce-Worthy Muhsinah and musician Arthur Lewis (who's forthcoming...

Ro | 08/18/2008 at 3:00 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Nikka Costa to Turn Ears Back Toward This Side of the Atlantic

The wave of '60s inspired, white, soul songstresses to have broken into the mainstream over the last few years would have some believing that recent contributions peaked with Amy Winehouse and plateaued with Duffy. While the Brits seem to get...

Ro | 08/15/2008 at 2:56 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

The Day Solange 'Decided' to Save A Fan

Solange Knowles may be trying to create buzz these days by saying "F%#k the Industry," but what she's proven, at least in my mind and that of a verrrry fortunate young man, is that she will never say "f%#k the...

Harlem | 08/14/2008 at 2:25 PM | Comments (8) | Permalink

Tina, 'Tina!' Both Ready to Roll Out This Fall

Soul and rock music legend Tina Turner will be hitting the road this fall for her first tour in more than eight years, all in conjunction with a brand new compilation disc entitled Tina! that is due in stores September...

Harlem | 08/13/2008 at 11:00 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Let's Give Angie Stone Her Props While She's Still Living

Raise your hand if you've been sleeping on Angie Stone! In an interview with Unsigned, she says "I just don't want to die or have something tragic go down and that makes them give some props to Angie Stone. I...

nOvaMatic | 08/12/2008 at 11:00 AM | Comments (7) | Permalink

At Long Last, Labelle is 'Back to Now'

Labelle, the groovy disco/R&B trio whose first album debuted in 1971, are putting the finishing touches on their reunion project, the appropriately entitled Back to Now, which will be released by Verve Records October 21st. The ladies--Patti LaBelle, Nona Hendryx...

Harlem | 08/11/2008 at 10:45 AM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Chico DeBarge's 'Addiction' to Be Unveiled Early Next Year

Is it just me, or does it seem that whenever you hear about Joe Thomas, fellow R&B crooner Chico DeBarge is never that far behind? Well, if you feel me on that, then you had to know that with Joe's...

Harlem | 08/08/2008 at 12:00 PM | Comments (6) | Permalink

Robin Thicke Says 'Something Else' Came From A Bit of Everything

There's little more than a month to go until SB fave Robin Thicke gives us Something Else to like about R&B music. One of the things we admire most about Thicke is his knack for doing things differently, stepping outside...

Harlem | 08/06/2008 at 10:45 AM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Jill's Fiance is Drumming For Janet

Those two worlds that collided in Tyler Perry's Why Did I Make This Movie Get Married are meeting once again, in a manner. John Roberts, the gentleman lucky enough to win Jill Scott's heart will be joining Janet Jackson's "Rock...

nOvaMatic | 08/04/2008 at 3:14 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Stars Line Up For An 'Evening' Salute to Patti

The list of performers has been confirmed for next month's UNCF Evening With Stars salute to legendary soul singer Patti LaBelle. Yolanda Adams, Anita Baker, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, Joss Stone and Dionne Warwick will all be on hand to celebrate...

Harlem | 08/04/2008 at 11:00 AM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Now We Know What A-Noise Jill Scott

Hypothetical question: Let's say you're an artist, performing to a full house, and while you were in the middle of a segue, the audience became restless and started milling about, talking on cell phones and to their neighbors to the...

Harlem | 07/30/2008 at 3:00 PM | Comments (10) | Permalink

Will Slim Emerge As the Most Successful Soloist of 112?

There's nothing wrong with a little friendly competition between comrades, especially when that competition is imagined and perpetuated by the Best! Black! Music! Blog! on the Interwebs. Without question, Slim is the most recognizable voice of 112 and he's poised...

nOvaMatic | 07/23/2008 at 11:00 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Is Jackson's 'Billie' Really the G.O.A.T.?

It's good to know that despite all of the wild rumors that Michael Jackson's health is deteriorating by the day, his music will live on forever. Just this week, the classic "Billie Jean" earned the title of "greatest dance record...

Harlem | 07/18/2008 at 3:30 PM | Comments (9) | Permalink

Maxwell Preparing For A Tour?

We stay on Maxwell watch here at SoulBounce. Every little step he makes, we will be there and likely have something to say about it. So of course there's much commentary to be had regarding his latest MySpace status message....

Butta | 07/18/2008 at 11:20 AM | Comments (7) | Permalink

Jenny Hud Speaks About Living in the Spotlight

Entertainment Tonight recently caught up with Jennifer Hudson on the set of her new video for the track "Spotlight," the first single from her upcoming album. I love me some Jenny, and the clip below displays her candidness about, well,...

Harlem | 06/23/2008 at 2:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

D'Angelo Ready for His J Records Debut. Almost.

We've addressed it here before. And we stand by the fact that next week's release of D'Angelo's The Best So Far... CD/DVD retrospective isn't nearly going to cut it for a fan base that has been waiting patiently on a...

Harlem | 06/20/2008 at 2:00 PM | Comments (6) | Permalink

Raheem DeVaughn To Rerelease 'Love Behind the Melody' With Some Textual Seduction

2008 has definitely been Raheem DeVaughn's year. He released his second CD, Love Behind the Melody, to critical acclaim, got nominated for a Grammy, and is currently on the last leg of his first headlining tour. So you would...

Butta | 06/20/2008 at 11:30 AM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Janelle Monae Looking for La-La Land Lookalikes for New Short Film

Here's the best part about posting on East coast time: we always give our West coast readers something to wake up to in the morning. And this morning, if you live in L.A., you still have time to get up,...

Harlem | 06/20/2008 at 11:00 AM | Permalink

J-Hud Says 'Yes, I Will' for Obama

Jennifer Hudson is ready, willing and able to do whatever necessary for presumptive Democratic presidential candidate and fellow Chicagoan Barack Obama. All he has to do, according to the Oscar-winning actress, is call. "I sang for Obama after I did...

Harlem | 06/19/2008 at 4:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Experience Jill Scott's 'Real Thing' On TV One

If I've said it once, I'll say it a thousand times: Do yourself a favor and go see Jill Scott in concert. Those who've had the pleasure of seeing the woman in action can attest that her live show is...

Butta | 06/19/2008 at 2:00 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

You Don't Want To Get Jazmine Sullivan Angry

We've been feeling Jazmine Sullivan for a minute now, especially after her last single with its infectious Caribbean riddims. Her latest single, "Bust Your Windows," is currently available only as a snippet on her MySpace page, but the message that...

ill Mami | 06/19/2008 at 1:40 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Robin Thicke's CD Gets New Release Date

Attention, Robin Thicke fans. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but his new album has gotten pushed back farther than Naomi Campbell's hairline. OK, OK, maybe the situation isn't that severe, but after originally being scheduled to...

Butta | 06/19/2008 at 11:00 AM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Countdown To Wax Poetics Offering Digital Downloads

In two days, yes, two days, Wax Poetics Magazine will finally offer digital downloads in MP3 format of their undoubtedly extensive catalog of old school soul, hip hop, jazz, disco, and everything in between. For audiophiles, beat minerz, crate diggers,...

ill Mami | 06/17/2008 at 1:45 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

The Return of Platinum Pied Pipers

When Platinum Pied Pipers, consisting of Detroit's own Wajeed and Saadiq, emerged on the music music scene four years ago, their sound was very welcomed from progressive-thinking music lovers around the globe. Artists such as Tiombe Lockhart, Rogiers, and Steve Spacek...

ill Mami | 06/12/2008 at 2:30 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Saul Williams' Indie Experiment Has Him Paid In Full

Last year when Saul Williams released The Inevitable Rise And Liberation Of Niggy Tardust, he was offering the album as part of a "variable pricing program." This little experiment, which gave the consumers the option of how much they were...

ill Mami | 06/11/2008 at 1:45 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Michael Jackson Gets Stage Fright?

After playing executive producer for his next project, we here at SBHQ are pleased to finally hear some news about the real Michael Jackson. However, the news isn't about MJ and his new musical endeavors being released soon, but it's...

Soul Bounce | 06/09/2008 at 11:30 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Ledisi To Release Christmas Album

I know it's only June, but December will be here before you know it, and thank goodness for that because Ledisi has a musical treat on the horizon to bring us all good tidings of joy. Sunday evening on the...

Butta | 06/09/2008 at 10:40 AM | Comments (3) | Permalink

George Clinton Goes Old School on 'Radio Friendly'

We wanted the funk, and we got it! George Clinton is putting together a funky pile of goodies on his latest album Radio Friendly to be released September 3 via Shanachie Records. George will be singing updated versions of romantic...

Soul Bounce | 06/04/2008 at 1:30 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Badu Gives More Information About Future Releases

Erykah Badu has given us a tidbit more information about her future releases Return of the Ankh and Lowdown Loretta Brown. We already know the Return of the Ankh will be released in July accompanied with USB sticks. But what...

Soul Bounce | 06/04/2008 at 1:00 PM | Permalink

Queen Aretha Declares R&B Is Still Alive

In honor of Black Music Month, Aretha Franklin declares R&B is still alive. In her essay, debuting June 15 on BlackVoices.com, Aretha name checks artists keeping R&B full of life: "...Usher, Anthony Hamilton, Fantasia, Chris Brown, Raheem DeVaughn, Erykah Badu and...

Soul Bounce | 06/04/2008 at 10:30 AM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Prince Purple Rains On Radiohead

Everyone knows that Prince can be a little diva at times. But now, the former slave of Warner Brothers has taken it to another level. Your purple highness has not only blocked his fans from watching the low-quality videos of...

Soul Bounce | 06/03/2008 at 1:00 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

LaToya & Jackie Confirm Forthcoming Jacksons Things

LaToya can be counted among the most trusted Jacksons, so when she talks I listen, obviously. She and brother Jackie recently appeared on Extra, fueling yet more rumors of a Jackson family reunion in the form of a show or...

nOvaMatic | 06/03/2008 at 11:15 AM | Comments (1) | Permalink

New Edition Wins ASCAP Award

Bobby Brown has made the news again. But this time it's his accomplishments with New Edition that garners our attention. As they celebrate their 25th anniversary, ASCAP is honoring New Edition with the Golden Note Award at its 21st Annual...

Soul Bounce | 05/30/2008 at 2:30 PM | Permalink

Ne-Yo To Hopefully Make Michael Jackson Sound More Like Michael Jackson

On the heels of my assertion that producers run their mouths too much when it comes to what they're working on, and positing that Ne-Yo's "Crazy" and "Can't B Good" are positively Michael Jackson-ish, comes the news that Ne-Yo's long-gestating...

nOvaMatic | 05/29/2008 at 1:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Jerome Polishes Morris Day's Mirror For Las Vegas Concerts

Although their last hit song was the 1990 release "Jerk Out," apparently The Time is still riding high off of their Grammy Award show performance from earlier this year. Morris Day has decided to gather all the original members--mirror holder...

Soul Bounce | 05/28/2008 at 11:30 AM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Keith Sweat Tops The Charts Again

Keith Sweat is sitting comfortably in the #1 spot of the R&B/Hip Hop Albums Chart. His new release, Just Me, has sold a little over 37,000 copies, beating Foxy Brown and Cherish for that coveted number one spot. He also...

Soul Bounce | 05/27/2008 at 2:30 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Ralph Tresvant Bounces Back With Starring Role, New Single

All fans of New Edition front man Ralph Tresvant, stand up! Your boy is back, and celebrating his 25th anniversary in music this summer with a part in the Codeblack Entertainment big screen adaptation of the stage play Mama, I...

Harlem | 05/26/2008 at 12:15 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Gloria Gaynor Probably Wishes She Could Change Her Name, Too

For the past year or so, Gloria Gaynor has maintained that she would lead her gay fanbase to Christ, because our Lord and Savior is second only to John Travolta when it comes to His love of Disco. The Guardian...

nOvaMatic | 05/21/2008 at 10:45 AM | Permalink

Santogold Pulls Race Card

Word has it that Santi White a/k/a Santogold was upset at being called a "hip hop artist." This is understandable because she most certainly is not one. She has admitted that her current incarnation as Santogold is one of a...

ill Mami | 05/20/2008 at 12:15 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Badu ♥ Monae. Monae ♥ Badu.

Recently on the OKP boards, "analoguegirl", who you may otherwise recognize as one Erykah Badu, expressed her diggery of Janelle Monae. "ALL i got to say is I N S P I R E D! love her. kinda remind me...

nOvaMatic | 05/19/2008 at 4:30 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Jennifer Hudson's Ready for Her Musical 'Spotlight'

I remember saying it to anyone who would listen: Jennifer Hudson should capitalize on the fame (winning Oscar, Golden Globe and SAG awards) she garnered from her performance in the musical Dreamgirls and record an album quickly. Stay in the...

Harlem | 05/19/2008 at 11:30 AM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Amanda Diva Needs Your Help

Life as an independent artist is challenging enough without life kicking in and serving you up a healthy dose of reality. Sadly, Amanda Diva got a taste of real life when her purse got stolen last night, and that's...

Butta | 05/09/2008 at 4:30 PM | Comments (6) | Permalink

Name Your Own Price Music Coming Soon

The times, they are definitely changing. After Warner Music Group's stock hit a record low of $9 per share and stockholders lost their minds, the media conglomerate has decided it better get with the times. To this end, WMG will...

ill Mami | 05/07/2008 at 4:00 PM | Permalink

Teddy Riley + B2K = 'You Got Served 2: Sucks to Be You'

Since Chauncey Black has decided to sweat it out with Flipmode, Teddy Riley, in a manner, is hooking up with post-Omarion, scandal-ridden B2K. Not musically, thank God, but for a new film entitled Hype Nation, in which Teddy will play...

nOvaMatic | 05/06/2008 at 3:30 PM | Permalink

Jennifer Hudson to Be Mentored by Mutual Enemies for New Album

The good news is that things are going full speed ahead with Jennifer Hudson's album. The potentially messy news is that she's chosen her mentors from two different sides of the spectrum. It's always been fun to imagine that Alicia...

nOvaMatic | 05/06/2008 at 2:40 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

New Raphael Saadiq To Bring Back The Good Old Days

It's no secret that Raphael Saadiq is a creative genius. Since parting ways with Tony! Toni! Toné! (and later Lucy Pearl) he has stayed on his grind and touched projects by an array of artists such as Floetry, Lionel...

Butta | 05/02/2008 at 3:26 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Jill Scott's Third Single Chosen

Jill Scott's fans have spoken in a vote held on her website, and "Whenever You're Around" has been chosen as the third single from The Real Thing: Words and Sounds Vol. 3. After the overwhelming response in favor of this...

Butta | 05/02/2008 at 1:10 PM | Comments (6) | Permalink

Chauncey Black + Flipmode = Blackstreet 3.0

Not to be outdone by this bit of gossip, Chauncey Black, formerly of Teddy Riley's Blackstreet, has been signed to Busta Rhymes' Flipmode Records. Yes, Chauncey Black, the same dude with the whiny voice who replaced more the more...

ill Mami | 04/29/2008 at 1:20 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Slow Down, Alicia!

As if the warm milk-inspired vibe of As I Am wasn't enough, Alicia Keys is already pondering the course of her next project. She tells Billboard she wants to do something even more "soft" than what she's given us thus...

nOvaMatic | 04/29/2008 at 11:44 AM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Seems Cee-Lo Has the 'Write' Touch These Days

In the face of mixed reviews of the latest Gnarls Barkley project, the mightly Cee-Lo is still apparently riding high these days, recently penning tracks for both Jennifer Hudson and Solange Knowles.The track written for Hudson, "All Dressed Up...

Harlem | 04/22/2008 at 1:35 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Behind-The-Scenes of New Al Green & Questlove Project

Al Green's forthcoming album, Lay It Down, is due soon, and I don't think I'm the only person absolutely feening for it! I wasn't surprised to hear that Questlove would be producing the album, since he's served as musical director...

ill Mami | 04/18/2008 at 4:00 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

What You Talkin' Bout, Erykah?

Erykah Badu was recently interviewed for Blender magazine, and some of her insights were particularly interesting. Erykah made it known that she is drug and alcohol-free, she has a shoe fetish, once punched her pregnant sister for talking some mess...

ill Mami | 04/16/2008 at 3:00 PM | Comments (17) | Permalink

Amy Winehouse Pushes Back Own Album for Household Chores

Just when reports of Amy Winehouse's new material began coming in, the latest is that she's decided to lay off recording any of it because she's occupied with other things. Her label, Island, booked her a very expensive flight to the Bahamas to...

nOvaMatic | 04/15/2008 at 11:45 AM | Permalink

Janelle Monae Eases Our Minds. We May or May Not Drop the Issue.

The uber-talented and so not Kelis-ish Janelle Monae has been extremely diplomatic on the matter of her partnership/deal/signing with Sean "P. Diddy" Combs' Bad Boy Records which, if you ask most people, is the sort of thing that would normally cause...

nOvaMatic | 04/10/2008 at 3:34 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Ray J Continues Aggressive Campaign To Remain Relevant

Ray J has been having a good past couple of years. Not only have we been bombarded with his likeness on the sex tape he made with fellow struggling-to-stay-relevant celebutante Kim Kardashian, he dated Lil' Kim and Whitney, and also...

ill Mami | 04/10/2008 at 2:00 PM | Comments (13) | Permalink

For Janelle, a 'Partnership'. For Diddy, a 'Signing'.

Perhaps the most interesting if not glaring thing about the Janelle Monae on Bad Boy "nontroversy" is her approach to the topic as opposed to Diddy's. As seen previously, Janelle often immediately refers to her Wonderland Arts Society when asked about...

nOvaMatic | 04/09/2008 at 3:10 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

New Erykah Badu Tour Poster & More Tour Dates

Erykah Badu and EMEK have not failed to represent when it comes to the collaboration on her tour poster designs. Thus far, the tour posters for her Israel and Nigeria tour dates have been visually dope and left us...

ill Mami | 04/09/2008 at 1:00 PM | Comments (15) | Permalink

Is It Already Time for 'Something Else' from Thicke?

Love Robin Thicke like I love my luggage, but I can probably wait another year or so before he returns, unless his new stuff is so fantastic that it simply cannot be held back. According to SOHH, AOL and BET,...

nOvaMatic | 04/09/2008 at 11:27 AM | Comments (9) | Permalink

Lalah Hathaway's 'Self-Portrait' To Be Unveiled This June

Fans of soul music, rejoice! After four years away, Lalah Hathaway is back on the scene this spring with a new CD on the revitalized Stax Records imprint entitled Self-Portrait. According to Bebo.com, the lead single from the new effort,...

Harlem | 04/07/2008 at 1:00 PM | Comments (9) | Permalink

Diddy Keeps 'Presenting' Janelle Monae; We Keep Trying to Wake Up From This

Last night in NY Dr. Klaw Diddy, once again, introduced Janelle Monae to some people, but this time, to record industry and media types. You know, those people that are usually about 10 steps behind blogs, the pulse of the...

nOvaMatic | 04/04/2008 at 3:04 PM | Comments (13) | Permalink

Choose Erykah's Next Single. (Soldier, Perhaps?)

Here ye, here ye, Erykah Badu fans. The analogue girl in a digital world is giving the power to the people and asking for help in picking her next single. Erykah recently posted a poll on the Okayplayer message...

Butta | 04/04/2008 at 12:30 PM | Comments (17) | Permalink

Leona Lewis Songs Wanted For Big Movies

The good news just keeps raining down on Leona Lewis. After topping the US charts last week with "Bleeding Love," the British bombshell's hit song is caught in the middle of a bidding war from various movie studios who...

Butta | 04/02/2008 at 4:35 PM | Comments (6) | Permalink

Maxwell Hearts SoulBounce

As much as we sweat stan talk about Maxwell on SoulBounce, we'd be remiss not to mention that he has shouted us out on his MySpace page. Yes, yes, y'all! We already had a sneaking suspicion that he read...

Butta | 04/02/2008 at 12:40 PM | Comments (9) | Permalink

Polow Da Don On Board for Chante Moore's Next Album

As previously reported here on SoulBounce, Chante Moore's Love the Woman will be released this month. Details of the project's direction have finally emerged via Chante's Myspace page. Joining Raphael Saadiq and Warryn Campbell is Polow da Don, the producer...

nOvaMatic | 04/01/2008 at 4:18 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Winehouse's New Material: Bleak, Depressing, Suicidal, Possibly Genius

Somewhere along the way, we forgot Amy Winehouse was an artist. It could have a lot to do with those things I said I personally wouldn't mention. How refreshing is it to actually hear a report centered around her music rather than...

nOvaMatic | 03/31/2008 at 11:42 AM | Permalink

Case Not So Much Closed

It's been a minute since we heard from Case Woodard, the man once regarded as sort of a male Mary J. but with that certain thing missing that could've placed him firmly in the upper echelons where he belonged. Back...

nOvaMatic | 03/31/2008 at 11:00 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Dru Hill Finds Its Member. Let's Call Him 'TayTay'

Last night Dru Hill held a search for a new fourth member to replace recently called-upon-by-God Woody Rock. Although we suspected there would be an American Idol-like format to the audition (complete with Sisqo clapping his palms and declaring "You...

nOvaMatic | 03/28/2008 at 6:21 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Erykah Badu Wants You To Remix Her 'Real Thang'

Erykah Badu sure does love her stans. Whether it be personally answering their message board posts, posing with them for pictures, or staying up late at night to perform her new material from New Amerykah Part One, Erykah has...

ill Mami | 03/28/2008 at 4:00 PM | Permalink

Mary J. Blige Is Living Large

Mary J. Blige is making news today for purchasing a brand new estate in Saddle River, New Jersey for $12.3 million in cold hard cash. Girlfriend is doing just fine, fine, fine indeed. Mary, Kendu and the kids will...

Butta | 03/27/2008 at 4:50 PM | Permalink

Erykah Badu & Q-Tip Reveal They're BFF's & Lots More In New Issue of Trace

The Trace magazine issue with Erykah Badu and Q-Tip snuggled up all close has finally arrived to newsstands near you. When the cover was first unveiled, many were left scratching their heads as to why they were particularly too-close-for-comfort on...

ill Mami | 03/25/2008 at 2:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

India.Arie Starts Label With Anthony David As First Artist

How excited are we at this news that India.Arie has secured a label deal with Universal Republic Records for her own imprint? VERY EXCITED! SoulBird Records is India's foray into label land and according to Arie, it will feature...

Butta | 03/24/2008 at 5:45 PM | Comments (6) | Permalink

Erykah Finds Time To Teach The Youth In Her Home

Erykah Badu has been mighty busy these days. She is not only quietly touring internationally, but she has also started a home school for her children Seven, 10, and Puma, 3. While home schooling is nothing new for celebrity...

ill Mami | 03/24/2008 at 2:39 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Angie Stone's Diabetes Awareness Campaign

Over the weekend, Grammy-nominated Angie Stone kicked-off her diabetes awareness campaign in conjunction with FACE (Fearless African Americans Connected and Empowered) at the Southside YMCA in Chicago. The campaign was launched to inspire behavioral changes in African Americans, who...

nOvaMatic | 03/18/2008 at 11:01 AM | Permalink

No One Will Stop Ruben From Dropping Albums. No One.

We have to hand it to Ruben Studdard, the American Idol alum with a penchant for channeling Luther and looking the other way anytime it appears his runner-up Clay Aiken's career is more fruitful. Since being un-assed from J Records,...

nOvaMatic | 03/17/2008 at 10:46 AM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Ladies, Vikter Duplaix Wants To Get Inside

Get your dirty minds out of the gutter. Vikter Duplaix wants to get inside our heads, sisters. Although a dirty mind may not be too bad of an idea where Mr. Duplaix is concerned.You see, earlier this week Vikter...

Butta | 03/07/2008 at 11:00 AM | Permalink

Erykah Shows Some Southern Love To Her Stans

While the rest of us Erykah Badu stans were lamenting our misfortune at not being able to attend the album release party at Dallas' Bills, Records, and Tapes music store, several of her fans were able to go to the meet-and-greet....

ill Mami | 03/06/2008 at 12:30 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

'Essence' of Erykah Hits Newsstands

Erykah Badu, no stranger to the lens of a camera, has lent her photogenic looks to yet another magazine cover. Her now trademark afro wig, looking much more manageable than it has looked of late, is showcased in its...

ill Mami | 03/05/2008 at 2:30 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Behind The Scenes of Erykah Badu & Mystery Man on URB

I'm not quite sure who Erykah Badu is trying to fool when she denied revealing who she's currently dating to the New York Times, but we all know it's Jay Electronica. The clip below, shot during the shoot for the...

ill Mami | 03/03/2008 at 4:20 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Come On Over & Knock On Erykah's Door

The reigning Queen of SoulBounce was featured in the New York Times' Music Section yesterday, and this lengthy article on Erykah Badu was quite revealing. Up until this point, we have been privy to snippets of information, but thankfully...

ill Mami | 03/03/2008 at 11:20 AM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Janet to Score #1 With 'Discipline'

According to Hits Daily Double, Janet Jackson's Discipline will enter the charts at #1 next week with Erykah Badu's New AmErykah following at #2. Janet's tenth studio release is expected to move somewhere around 180,000 units by the time the...

nOvaMatic | 02/28/2008 at 11:29 AM | Comments (13) | Permalink

Chante Moore Coming Back Dolo in April

Chante Moore, who recently celebrated her 41st birthday, is planning to release a new album entitled Love The Woman this April on Peak Records. This will be her first solo album since 2000's Exposed which featured the questionable "Straight Up"...

nOvaMatic | 02/28/2008 at 10:59 AM | Comments (5) | Permalink

What Does Erykah Mean By 'Savior's Day'?

Today, February 26th, is not only Erykah Badu's 37th birthday, which she is marking by releasing her fifth album unto the masses, but today is also Savior's Day. Judging from this advertisement for New AmErykah, Ms. Badu would like...

ill Mami | 02/26/2008 at 4:03 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Erykah Badu Cuts Up On '106th & Park'

While BET's 106th & Park is normally as exciting as watching paint dry, Erykah Badu blessed the stage of the music video countdown show and offered insights into the questions that many of us have had on our minds for...

ill Mami | 02/22/2008 at 1:30 PM | Comments (10) | Permalink

Etta James On Beyoncé Casting: 'She's going to have a hill to climb'

It seems as if a lot of SoulBouncers are giving the news of Beyoncé being cast as Etta James the serious side-eye. Can't say that I blame folks, but I'm willing to give Bey the benefit of the doubt....

Butta | 02/21/2008 at 3:40 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

It's Official: Beyoncé To Play Etta James In New Movie

A few weeks ago a nasty rumor was floating around that Beyoncé had snagged the role of Etta James in an upcoming feature film about Chess Records. We laughed it off as a simple attempt to garner some buzz...

Butta | 02/20/2008 at 3:50 PM | Comments (13) | Permalink

Jean Grae Wants To Answer Your Burning Love Questions

As if working on her long-awaited Jeanius LP isn't enough to keep Jean Grae busy, word has it that she will be answering your burning questions related to all matters of the heart in promotion of her "Love Thirst"...

ill Mami | 02/14/2008 at 3:30 PM | Permalink

Do You, Danger Mouse, Take Cee-Lo To Be Your Wife?

New photos of the dynamic duo Gnarls Barkley have hit the net and they are a riot. No stranger to playing dress up, these two have been seen as everything from Clark Kent and Superman to the Cowardly Lion and...

Butta | 02/14/2008 at 12:55 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Oh Really, Maxwell?

Last night I was up doing something close to nothing and dipped onto MySpace for a few minutes that turned into an hour. Right before I logged off, lo and behold what did I see but a new status message...

Butta | 02/13/2008 at 11:00 AM | Comments (8) | Permalink

Housewine Makes Her Way Onto The Grammys

Just when we thought that it'd be another boring Grammy Awards telecast, Amy Winehouse swoops in to save the day. Yes, despite the U.S. Embassy putting the smack down on her Visa request, you can't keep a strong crackhead...

Butta | 02/08/2008 at 5:10 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Gnarls Barkley's 'Run' Sounds A Little 'Crazy'

Upon first listening to "Run," Gnarls Barkley's first single from their upcoming April release The Odd Couple, some of the lyrics definitely seemed...um...interesting, and I made mention of it back when the track first premiered on SoulBounce. Now that I...

ill Mami | 02/08/2008 at 3:30 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

No Wino At Grammy Awards

Much to everyone's chagrin, Amy Winehouse will not be attending this Sunday's Grammy Awards. The embattled soul singer was just denied a visa by the American Embassy in London. We were holding out hope that the powers that be...

Butta | 02/07/2008 at 3:45 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Black Voices Thinks That Idris Elba And Saul Williams Got Next

In honor of Black History Month, Black Voices is featuring 25 future Black history makers and amongst that number are two gentlemen who we show a lot of love to here at SoulBounce: Idris Elba and Saul Williams. Elba...

Butta | 02/01/2008 at 5:59 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Toni Braxton Is M'm! M'm! Good! For A Purpose

I know what you're thinking (because I was thinking the same thing), but Toni Braxton isn't up to her usual tricks in the clothing or lack thereof department. Toni actually wore this eye-catching dress at last night's Woman's Day...

Butta | 02/01/2008 at 1:25 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

In Anticipation of That New Dwele

Singer, songwriter, rapper, DJ and multi-instrumentalist Dwele should be releasing a new album on Koch this spring, as in, he's been working on some things. Details bandied about in his interview with the Detroit Free Press are as follows:The release...

nOvaMatic | 01/31/2008 at 2:15 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Erykah Badu Has 'Nuff Tings In Store For Her Fans

As a recent participant in the Barbados Jazz Festival, Erykah Badu's revealed some interesting developments she has in store to a Jamaican newspaper. First off, Erykah has plans to launch a magazine, Freaq, an obvious nod to her Control FreaQ...

ill Mami | 01/30/2008 at 3:41 PM | Comments (9) | Permalink

So You Think You Know Rahsaan Patterson?

Dear SoulBounce reader, I submit to you some fun facts about an artist that many of you may be aware of.He's from The BronxHe was on Kids Incorporated.Two songs (including the one below) from his new album Wines and Spirits...

ill Mami | 01/30/2008 at 1:35 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Lenny Kravitz is Excited About Things and Stuff!

Since Lenny Kravitz isn't getting laid much these days, we'll simply have to settle for updates that relate to actual music. *sad face* In a recent NYT article (playfully ripped to shreds by Gawker), Lenny offers his humble endorsement of...

nOvaMatic | 01/29/2008 at 4:47 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Clips from 'Jill Scott: Live in Paris'

There's no shame in stanning for Jill Scott. She digs kind of deep when she sings, doesn't she? Like she's singing from the guts of her ancestors. Whether she's authoritative and bellowing or teasing and genteel, she doesn't waste a...

nOvaMatic | 01/29/2008 at 12:17 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Numbers Behind the Melody

The staggering record sales slump that continues to cripple the record industry with each passing week may be a pain in the pocketbook to Pop Rock R&B Hip-Hop stars and their housing labels nationwide, but for record-selling underdogs like Raheem...

Shooter | 01/24/2008 at 10:29 AM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Cover?

1. "Amerykahn Promise"2. "The Healer / Hip-Hop"3. "Me"4. "My People"5. "Soldier"6. "The Cell"7. "Twinkle"8. "Master Teacher"9. "That Hump"10. "Telephone"11. "Honey" (Bonus) Discuss.Earlier: Badu Talks Challenges of 'New AmErykah'...

nOvaMatic | 01/23/2008 at 5:26 PM | Comments (6) | Permalink

So Jill Scott Has Been a Little Busy

Jill Scott has been all over the internets these past couple days. Let's do a quick roundup:On February 5th, she's releasing her Live in Paris CD/DVD combo, available for pre-order from Amazon. [Amazon]Is she doing some shots (in the buff*)...

nOvaMatic | 01/16/2008 at 6:00 PM | Permalink

'Popular' was Supposed to Happen Today

As Van Hunt notes in his blog, today is the day that Popular should've dropped. 'Popular' is not on its way to the store. it is sitting in a box in my flat in LA, on 1/2 inch reels down...

nOvaMatic | 01/15/2008 at 11:45 AM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Fooled Once and 'Hurt Again'?

As it turns out, the folks at Geffen/Interscope do know what Mary J. Blige's next single is going to be! So who needs a pesky poll, right? The Dre and Vidal-produced "Hurt Again" is the official second single from Growing...

nOvaMatic | 01/14/2008 at 2:02 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Queen Latifah Wins A Golden Globe

Too bad for Queen Latifah that the year that she wins a Golden Globe that the glitzy awards ceremony was scrapped due to the ongoing writer's strike and replaced with an anticlimactic news conference. We didn't get a chance...

Butta | 01/14/2008 at 12:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Maxwell Falls Into The Gap

Double kisses to SoulBounce reader, Mai, who alerted us to the ever-elusive Maxwell in the new Spring 2008 collection ad campaign for Gap. Wait one afro-pickin' minute. Maxwell? In a Gap ad? He's always struck me as a Banana...

Butta | 01/14/2008 at 10:45 AM | Comments (14) | Permalink

Today is Mary J.'s Birthday. She's 37. nOva Feels Old.

The SoulBounce crew would like to wish Mary J. Blige a very HAPPY birthday, mainly because we'd like to stress that her pain isn't what makes us enjoy her work. Via MTV:"When I took the chance to show people I...

nOvaMatic | 01/11/2008 at 1:20 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Congratulations, Erro!

I know some of y'all are thinking to yourself "Why is Butta congratulating Eric Roberson? Did he win an award?" Well, no, Erro hasn't won an award, but he has gotten quite the prize. He recently asked his girlfriend, Shawn,...

Butta | 01/10/2008 at 5:33 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Christmas Time Has Come Early For Alicia Keys

Despite the reception that As I Am has gotten on SoulBounce, it has just been confirmed by Billboard and Soundscan that Ms. Keys has broken even more sales records. More specifically, Alicia Keys' past three studio albums have all spent at least 5 weeks at #1...

ill Mami | 12/20/2007 at 6:09 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Alicia Keys To Play Lena Horne, 'No One' Can Touch Her On Charts

Oprah Winfrey has confirmed that Alicia Keys is set to play Lena Horne in an upcoming biopic about the legendary entertainer's life. The media mogul chatted about the upcoming project while working the red carpet at the premiere of The...

Butta | 12/13/2007 at 5:30 PM | Comments (10) | Permalink

Back In Blaque

Just the other day I posted the video for "808" by the group Blaque as the daily throwback in Morning Soul. A friend had brought them to mind after he lamented over the demise of the TLC-esque girl group. I...

Butta | 12/12/2007 at 1:30 PM | Permalink

And In Eric Roberson News

This past Sunday I went to see Eric Roberson perform in Baltimore at Eden's Lounge, and as per usual it was a fantastic concert. If you've ever been to an Erro show, which if you haven't I strongly suggest having...

Butta | 12/12/2007 at 12:00 PM | Permalink

Erykah Badu's "Nu AmErykah" Tracklisting

We can officially put The Kahba to bed now that Erykah Badu has gone on the record saying her forthcoming album's title is Nu AmErykah. Personally, I don't care if the name of the album is Biological Waste, I'm still...

nOvaMatic | 12/10/2007 at 4:42 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

Could This Be A New Maxwell Lyric?

Anyone who has followed SoulBounce for any length of time, may know that I keep an eagle eye on Maxwell's MySpace page for any pertinent updates surrounding his long-awaited next release. Whether it's a profile photo change or a disappearing...

Butta | 12/07/2007 at 11:30 AM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Raheen DeVaughn's 'Love Behind the Melody' Cover Art And Tracklist

After too many delays to count, it looks as if Raheem DeVaughn's sophomore disc, Love Behind the Melody, is definitely going to be released on January 15, 2008, and we have the cover art and tracklist to prove it--or at...

Butta | 12/06/2007 at 1:00 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Van Hunt Parts Ways With Label, Next CD Suddenly In Limbo

Van Hunt fans will have to wait a little longer for this third CD to be released, because the talented Mr. Hunt is suddenly without a record label. Last Friday Paste received a note out of the blue that Blue...

Butta | 12/05/2007 at 4:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

The Reports Are In: Whitney's Comeback Show Was Good and/or Bad

So we were real excited and everything to learn that the diva Whitney Houston was having this great big comeback concert in KUALA LUMPUR. We really weren't sure what to expect, mainly because, we aren't in Malaysia. But if we...

nOvaMatic | 12/03/2007 at 10:51 AM | Permalink

The Yawn-Inducing 'Re-Thriller' Tracklist is Revealed!

The tracklisting for Michael Jackson's Thriller 25th Anniversary Edition has been revealed, and before you get all into your feelings, Akon's nasal, soul-crushing re-imagining of "Wanna Be Startin' Something" is part of the package. Yay. Also on board are Kanye...

nOvaMatic | 11/30/2007 at 1:30 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Tweet Talks

Tweet's next CD doesn't come out for another few months, but she is already busy promoting the project. The buzz single with T.I. generated some chatter, a sampler dropped that's gotten mixed reviews, and she recently spoke with DJ Booth...

Butta | 11/30/2007 at 1:00 PM | Permalink

Mary J. TV Comes To YouTube

Rejoice Mary J. Blige fans and stans! Our girl has launched Mary J. TV in conjunction with YouTube. MJTV will be your one stop shop for all Mary music videos and other video exclusives in preparation for the release...

Butta | 11/29/2007 at 6:33 PM | Permalink

Where There is Hope, There is Jermaine Jackson

Not for nothing, but we intimated a lil' while ago about the J5 reunion tour rumor that's currently making the rounds. But it's been given further credence by Jermaine Jackson himself, who invokes this wish every so often and is...

nOvaMatic | 11/29/2007 at 11:01 AM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Things That Infuriate Jill Scott

On the U.S.:"I think The States is disrespectful to other countries and they make too many assumptions about what is good and what is just. I don't appreciate the school system or the health care system- so many systems in...

nOvaMatic | 11/26/2007 at 12:07 PM | Permalink

Alicia Keys Breaks Records With 'As I Am'

Her new disc has been getting mixed reviews from critics and SoulBounce readers, but that didn't stop Alicia Keys from steamrolling her way to the top of the charts with As I Am. Not only did she take that number...

Butta | 11/21/2007 at 3:50 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Plenty Of Lenny

Lenny Kravitz has teamed up with MySpace for the "Get on the Bus with the Love Revolution Tour" contest, an exclusive promotion that will allow 10 of his MySpace friends and their guests to join him on his upcoming tour....

Butta | 11/20/2007 at 3:42 PM | Permalink

2007 SoulTracks Readers' Choice Award Winners Announced

Congratulations are definitely in order for the winners of the 2007 SoulTracks Readers' Choice Awards. The ceremony was held this year in conjunction with the 6th Annual Urban Organic Festival in Detroit last Friday night at the Cobo Convention Center...

Butta | 11/20/2007 at 1:00 PM | Permalink

Total Reunites...Well, Almost

Omar Epps and his wife Keisha Spivey Epps recently had a baby shower in Cali to celebrate the impending arrival of their bundle of joy with a few of their celebrity friends. There was one person in particular who...

Butta | 11/19/2007 at 1:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Badu: To 'Kahba' or Not

Erykah Badu, reigning queen of SoulBounce, recently chatted with the good folks over at SOHH about her forthcoming Kahba, or is it Kabbah or The Kabbah? And like, what does it mean, Stimpy?! "It has multiple meanings. You know how you...

nOvaMatic | 11/19/2007 at 10:30 AM | Comments (6) | Permalink

Mary J. Blige's 'Growing Pains' Tracklist; Genlux Cover

Despite a minor set-back, Mary J. Blige is about to take over the world once again, ya'll. Just a quick FYI. Here's the gorgeous Genlux cover that's been circulating the interwebs, along with what we believe is the official tracklisting...

nOvaMatic | 11/15/2007 at 10:55 AM | Comments (3) | Permalink

Should We Talk About This Amy Housewine Performance? K, Let's.

Since surfacing on the web Friday, this Amy Winehouse EMA performance has been hard to watch straight through. You squirm, you fast-forward a few seconds, your eyes bug out, you squirm a little bit more, then shake your head...

nOvaMatic | 11/05/2007 at 10:19 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Diva Overload Alert!! All Parties Evacuate the Premises!

If any of you drag queens were wondering when an album would finally come along that embodied the long, distinguished legacy of melisma and hair extensions soul music, then look no further than the forthcoming Aretha Franklin duets compilation.Jewels in...

nOvaMatic | 11/02/2007 at 4:44 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink