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Quiet Bounce

Quiet Bounce: Lose Control

Boy meets girl and they fall in love. Life happens, arguments ensue and feelings are damaged. Only the right kind of slow jam can create an atmosphere of reconciliation that not only rights the wrongs, but elevates the passion between...

Fave  |  11/18/2009 at 8:00 PM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

Month of Mary

'My Life' At 15: 'No One Else'

Unwavering dedication--at the expense of tears, heartache and sanity--throbs in the core of any true "ride or die" type of love. When My Life dropped, Mary J. Blige had become the poster child for tormented souls battered by incredibly flawed love...

Fave  |  11/17/2009 at 12:00 PM  |  Leave a Comment  |  Permalink

Sexy Saturday, Video SoulBounce

Izzi Dunn Puts Her 'T&A' On The Screen

Izzi Dunn is making a lot of positive noise from across the pond these days. Her latest single, "Tits and Ass," is provocative and enlightening, but her video gives a more vivid picture (no pun intended). While I appreciate the...

Fave  |  11/14/2009 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

First Spin, Reviews

DJ Spinna Brings The 'Boogie Back'

Earlier this year, DJ Spinna gave us a Sonic Smash to chill our ears in the midst of a sweltering summer. As 2009 wraps up, the renowned producer is back--and this time, he's brought the heat with Boogie Back, a...

Fave  |  11/13/2009 at 2:00 PM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

Reviews

Getting 'Love' From Boyz II Men

You already know how I feel about Boyz II Men. Their harmonies are uncanny and their image remains wholesome as sweet potato pie. For nearly twenty years, Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman and Wanya Morris have given us a consistent stream...

Fave  |  11/12/2009 at 1:30 PM  |  Leave a Comment  |  Permalink

Diggin' in the Crates, Quiet Bounce

Quiet Bounce: Wipe Your 'Tears Away'

I fell in love with Faith Evans the moment I heard her voice. Her voice, combined with Chucky Thompson's signature production, embodied the sexiness of '90s R&B. My favorite Faith ballad isn't found on any of her albums, it's nestled...

Fave  |  11/11/2009 at 8:00 PM  |  Comments (10)  |  Permalink

First Spin

Focus And Phonte Stay Grinding Through This 'Recession'

Producer extraordinaire Focus and the forever multitasking Phonte bring you the tragic tale of a baller whose budget takes a fatal blow from dainty, manicured hands. "Recession" is the first single from Focus' Avant Garde Project, scheduled to drop next...

Fave  |  11/11/2009 at 6:00 PM  |  Comments (7)  |  Permalink

First Spin

JSOUL Has 'Potential'

The concepts of indie soul range from bohemian mantras to mental escapes from chaotic reality. Most times, we just want something to make us nod our heads and smile. Jamal Smith aka JSOUL has joined forces with Eric Roberson and Maryland-MC, Substantial,...

Fave  |  11/11/2009 at 4:00 PM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

Reviews

What I Learned While Standing On 'The Bridge' With Melanie Fiona

I've had an appreciation for Melanie Fiona since discovering her music via ?uestlove this past summer, but I didn't consider myself a fan. When I got my hands on her debut album, The Bridge, I pressed play with no expectations....

Fave  |  11/09/2009 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

I Was There, Reviews

'Sexy Soul' Trifecta With Eric Benet, Mint Condition And Ledisi

The rain hammered the pavement outside Houston's Verizon Theatre, but it didn't stop hundreds of concertgoers from experiencing the Sexy Soul Tour featuring Ledisi, Mint Condition and Eric Benet. The lobby was filled with two-piece velour leisure suits, color-coordinated gator...

Fave  |  11/06/2009 at 1:00 PM  |  Leave a Comment  |  Permalink

Month of Mary

'My Life' At 15: 'You Gotta Believe'

It's no secret that My Life was: (1) an open love letter from Mary J. Blige to K-Ci Hailey; and (2) a cornucopia of '90s R&B drenched in soul instrumentals from the '60s and '70s. Unlike the majority of the...

Fave  |  11/06/2009 at 12:00 PM  |  Leave a Comment  |  Permalink

Diggin' in the Crates, Quiet Bounce

Quiet Bounce: 'Hey Now,' Carl Thomas Did More Than 'Wish'

Ten years ago, Carl Thomas enhanced the Bad Boy Entertainment franchise with the #1 R&B hit single, "I Wish" from his debut LP, Emotional. I invite you to dig further into this album and discover a soulful gem yearning to...

Fave  |  11/04/2009 at 8:00 PM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

Bounce-Worthy

Bounce-Worthy: Lydia Rene

Most young, aspiring singers struggle with finding the right producers, songs, band members, etc. to help build their unique sound. When I discovered the music of Lydia Rene, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that this singer/songwriter/musician pens her own...

Fave  |  11/04/2009 at 4:00 PM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

A Soulful Noise

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

Free Music, Reviews

'Just Visiting Too' With Zo! & Friends

Between teaching music to inner-city youth in DC and touring as part of Foreign Exchange, Zo! has been working diligently in the lab on his own projects. While putting the finishing touches on his Sunstorm LP (scheduled to drop Summer...

Fave  |  11/03/2009 at 2:00 PM  |  Comments (7)  |  Permalink

First Spin

Get Your Drink And Fly Gypsy Got Your '2 Step'

The organic nature of good music can be so hot that its steam blurs our vision and dissolves our preconceived labels of race, culture and other social boundaries. This is what you experience when immersed in the sound of Washington,...

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

Bounce-Worthy

Bounce-Worthy: Izzi Dunn

I am not afraid to admit it. I am completely enamored by "Tits and Ass." My affinity for this magnificent combination is irrevocable and one of the most tender forms of unconventional love my heart can muster. Now before you...

Fave  |  11/02/2009 at 4:00 PM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

Soul On Stage

Chester Gregory: The Man Of Your 'Dreams'

We recently shared Chester Gregory's "Secret" with you and now there's more intel on this award-winning singer/songwriter. Beginning November 7th, he will star as James "Thunder" Early in a 4-week Apollo Theater production of the musical Dreamgirls. This is familiar...

Fave  |  11/02/2009 at 2:00 PM  |  Leave a Comment  |  Permalink

Quiet Bounce

Quiet Bounce: 'Dealing' With The Situation

Each generation has their musical adaptation of infidelity (e.g., "If Loving You is Wrong" and "Secret Lovers"). Eric Roberson brings a soulful perspective on the topic with "Dealing," an incredible duet with Lalah Hathaway. It has a 21st century sound,...

Fave  |  10/29/2009 at 8:00 PM  |  Comments (5)  |  Permalink

First Spin

Next's Frontman Is Anything But 'Gone' From The Spotlight

RL has always balanced his individual efforts in addition to being one-third of the R&B group, Next. In addition to his debut album in 2002, he sang alongside Deborah Cox in the unforgettable duet, "We Can't Be Friends" and joined...

Fave  |  10/29/2009 at 2:00 PM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

First Spin, Video SoulBounce

Snoop Dogg Spreads 'Gangsta Luv' With His New Video

The West-Coast Hip Hop veteran, Snoop Dogg, is back on the scene with a new single and an outrageous video. "Gangsta Luv" features Snoop in the back of his Cadillac, being chauffeured by The-Dream as they sing the hook. While...

Fave  |  10/29/2009 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

Soul On Stage, Video SoulBounce

Taking The Leap From Stage To Screen On A Wing And A 'Mother's Prayer'

African-American playwright, Alvin Moore Jr., is taking his hit production off the stage and into your DVD player. A Mother's Prayer takes you on an emotional, spirit-filled journey of estranged family members brought together by a mother's dying wish. The...

Fave  |  10/29/2009 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

Quiet Bounce

Quiet Bounce: Erotic Endurance Prevails In 'Marathon'

Soft whispers carry sensual instructions to your right ear...then your left. The declaration that "lovemaking is a zone" massages your mind in stereo. The beat ignites a steady pulse guiding female moans, electric piano tones and sighs of satisfaction through...

Fave  |  10/28/2009 at 8:00 PM  |  Comments (11)  |  Permalink

First Spin

Shawnna And John Legend Want To Make You 'Believe'

Peanut butter and sardines. Pink gators and a hunter green velour jumpsuit. Shawnna and John Legend. None of these combinations seem like they would taste, look or sound right, respectively. "Believe Me" comes from Shawnna's upcoming Block Music Mixtape, featuring...

Fave  |  10/28/2009 at 6:30 PM  |  Comments (7)  |  Permalink

First Spin

Boyz II Men Sing Their Way To 'Love' With Their Latest Single

If you haven't noticed, I'm a Boyz II Men stan. I've been this way since Cooleyhighharmony and it's never going to change. They could sing nursery rhymes backwards in Cantonese and I'd buy five copies of the album--well, maybe just...

Fave  |  10/28/2009 at 5:30 PM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

Diggin' in the Crates

When Ledisi Made It 'Rain'

It's been a fantastic year for Ledisi with the release of her new album, Turn Me Loose, and upcoming tour with Eric Benet and Mint Condition. But don't get it twisted, she's been setting the music scene on fire for quite...

Fave  |  10/28/2009 at 1:30 PM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

First Spin

KiDz In The Hall Are Droppin' Quarters And Heat In The 'Jukebox'

I've always considered KiDz in the Hall to be something like a Kid n' Play 2.0 with true school hip hop edge. This new single, "Jukebox," is guaranteed to help you burn some calories as the kick and snare dominate...

Fave  |  10/26/2009 at 2:30 PM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

Reviews

The 'Evolution' Of Brian McKnight

Music veterans build their reputation through years of constant dedication to their craft. In the case of Brian McKnight, he's endured the battle scars of love and connected his experiences to ours with heartfelt R&B compositions. His eleventh studio album,...

Fave  |  10/26/2009 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (7)  |  Permalink

Soul Food

SoulBounce Loves 'Pretty Wangs'

To be a Maxwell fan is more than an unspoken requirement to write for SoulBounce *smile* it's a  musical preference that transcends gender, race, age and religion. His latest album, BLACKsummers'night, continues to spice up the charts and the stage....

Fave  |  10/24/2009 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (9)  |  Permalink

Listicle

7 Recurring Themes In Soul Music

I love music's ability to tell great stories and reflect on the human condition. Gospel seeks to uplift our faith while the Blues gives depression a voice of relief. Heavy Metal embodies rebellion and breaking the rules, but Emo seems...

Fave  |  10/23/2009 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Raheem DeVaughn And Ludacris Fire Shots At Social Issues With 'Bulletproof'

High-tech graphics meet revolutionary soul in this new video from Raheem DeVaughn featuring Ludacris. "Bulletproof" speaks to our social woes in a haunting, Marvin Gaye-esque delivery from the DC-based soul singer. Raheem heightens our awareness with politically-charged lyrics while maneuvering through...

Fave  |  10/22/2009 at 5:30 PM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

Media Watch

You Can't Knock Ledisi's Hustle

After dropping one of the most highly anticipated albums of the year, Ledisi prepares to lend her soul stirring voice to a number of high-profile events throughout the rest of the 2009. The riveting songstress will appear at the 2009...

Fave  |  10/22/2009 at 2:00 PM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

Industry & Culture

The Good New Days

Do you remember the good old days of music? Depending on your age, that era may vary. My parents nurtured my young ears with the sounds of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross. In the '80s, I walked the...

Fave  |  10/22/2009 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (8)  |  Permalink

First Spin

Let Chester Gregory's 'Secret' Bring Out Your Dark Side

Chester Gregory has embraced the Broadway stage and contributed to the integrity of mixtapes with this summer's noteworthy Breakbeat Karaoke. His latest single, "Secret (A Vampire's Romance)," finds Chester succumbing to his desires as a crooning creature of the night....

Fave  |  10/22/2009 at 11:30 AM  |  Comments (7)  |  Permalink

Diggin' in the Crates, Quiet Bounce

Quiet Bounce: Before There Was 'Grown & Sexy' There Was Boyz II Men

Boyz II Men were four, clean-cut fellas from Philly whose '90s-era R&B ballads set the mood for wholesome, Cliff & Claire Huxtable-type romance. In 1992, while basking in the PG-13 glow of Cooleyhighharmony, they came out of left field with...

Fave  |  10/21/2009 at 8:00 PM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Slakah's Sneak Peek

Toronto-based producer, Slakah the Beatchild, made a huge splash in the music world with his critically acclaimed Soul Movement vol. 1. His collaborations with artists like Drake, Ayah and Ebrahim gave us a glimpse of his musical prowess and he's...

Fave  |  10/16/2009 at 5:00 PM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

Reviews

Wave Your Hands In The Air While Riding Soulpersona's 'Soulacoaster'

The soulful heat coming from across the pond has been keeping our ears nice and toasty with beautiful beats, sultry voices and universal subject matters. UK-based producer extraordinaire, Soulpersona (aka SoulP), has collaborated with a number of talented singers from...

Fave  |  10/16/2009 at 1:00 PM  |  Leave a Comment  |  Permalink

First Spin

'Here We Go' With Darien Brockington

Witnessing Darien Brockington grow as an artist continues to be a pleasant journey. His debut album, Somebody to Love, as well as his contribution to the Foreign Exchange recordings, videos and live performances has proven him to be a rising...

Fave  |  10/16/2009 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

A Soulful Noise

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

Reviews

There's No Denying N'dambi's 'Pink Elephant' In The Room

When it comes to longevity, N'Dambi is a soul songstress who has stood the test of time. Her 1999 debut, Little Lost Girls Blues, set the course for her extraordinary career as an indie artist - gaining international attention without the major label budget. Ten years and three albums later, N'Dambi is now a part of the legendary Stax Records imprint. Her highly anticipated fourth LP, Pink Elephant, is a collection of real life stories smothered in a heavy blend of soul, funk, blues and rock.

Fave  |  10/14/2009 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (5)  |  Permalink

Media Watch, Pause For A Cause

Open Heart Melodies: Three Ways Music Can Impact Your Body

I love the way the right song can nurture my soul while soothing my mind. My playlist becomes medicinal and my earbuds serve as the IV drip--administering the perfect dosage of beats, rhymes and voices to rejuvenate my life. I'm...

Fave  |  10/12/2009 at 3:00 PM  |  Comments (11)  |  Permalink

I Was There, Reviews

Digging The Underground Soul With Eric Roberson, Choklate And Liv Warfield

My eyes scanned the sea of dreadlocks, afros, perms, diamond encrusted watches, church shoes, sandals, designer jeans and clingy capris while the bartender poured drinks and catfish sizzled from the kitchen. This was Grooves Lounge, one of the many playgrounds...

Fave  |  10/12/2009 at 2:00 PM  |  Leave a Comment  |  Permalink

First Spin

While We Were Sleeping: New Music From Angie, Usher, PJ, Tweet & Joss

Remember when you were a kid and you hated going to bed because you thought you'd 'miss something' if you went to sleep? Now that you're grown, you would do anything to get a full night's sleep or just a...

Fave  |  10/09/2009 at 4:30 PM  |  Comments (6)  |  Permalink

Reviews

Discovering The Mystery Of Meshell Ndegeocello With 'Devil's Halo'

It took 16 years for me to learn how to pronounce her name, but only 10 seconds to embrace the eclectic vibe of Meshell Ndegeocello's music. Since 1993, the Grammy-nominated bassist/singer/songwriter has spun a web of soul, funk, rock,...

Fave  |  10/08/2009 at 4:00 PM  |  Comments (7)  |  Permalink

Bounce-Worthy

Bounce-Worthy: Bradd Marquis

I try to stay away from the homogenized production and oversexed lyrics of today's manufactured R&B. Instead, I'm always in search of crooners with vocal finesse that preserves the sexy of my favorite genre. When I was introduced to Bradd...

Fave  |  10/08/2009 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (5)  |  Permalink

I Was There, Reviews

Common & The Roots Make The Perfect Blend In Houston

It was a balmy autumn night as hundreds huddled under umbrellas outside The Corinthian in downtown Houston. No amount of rain nor humidity could put a damper on what would be an evening of incredible music at the Hennessy Artistry...

Fave  |  10/08/2009 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

With Joy Jones, 'Over' Is Just The Beginning

Look into the eyes of Joy Jones and you will discover an undeniable allure hedged in statuesque confidence. Her new album, Godchild, emits a transparent innocence full of soul and funk undertones. Her latest single, "Over," is lyrical substance wrapped...

Fave  |  10/06/2009 at 12:30 PM  |  Leave a Comment  |  Permalink

The Interwebs

Soulcial Media

The strength of music dwells in its ability to connect us to the memories that shape our lives. The bond between our souls and the song is often enhanced when connecting with the song makers. Our desire to affix ourselves...

Fave  |  10/02/2009 at 5:30 PM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

Rewind, Video SoulBounce

Where Is Everyone From Biggie's 'One More Chance' Video Now?

The temperature is cooling, leaves are falling and the morning air has become extra crispy. Without warning, autumn has slipped in right under our noses and makes us wonder: Where did the summer go? The heat can be uncomfortable,...

Fave  |  10/01/2009 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (13)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

'Changes' We Can Believe In From Ledisi

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

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

Video SoulBounce

The Pros And Consequence

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

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

Video SoulBounce

Zo! Loves The Kids

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

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

First Spin

Welcoming Boyz II Men With 'Open Arms'

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

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

Reviews

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

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

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