R&B Vet and Singer/Songwriter Lloyd has released his new album Tru which follows after his 2016 5-song EP of the same name. Tru includes 7 additional songs and features guest appearances from Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Curren$y, Sevyn Streeter & Khujo Goodie.
HEAR THE CURRENT LEAD SINGLE “CARAMEL” BELOW:
On the album, Lloyd says:
“I wanted to put a lot of soul into it, you know? Kind of comparing music to food, I would say the goal was to stay as far away from fast food as possible and to focus on soul food. Definitely a lot of humanizing moments for me as an artist and as a man. Just talking about family, talking about the loss of loved ones, and now that I’m experiencing fatherhood, I’m kind of talking about that as well.”
Tru is available everywhere music is purchased online.
After the successful release of Jade Novah's debut album All Blue, Jade Novah announces that she will be opening for Teyana Taylor on the Teyana Taylor KTSE Tour.
This week's #IndieArtistSpolight goes to Danielle Sinclair. Danielle Sinclair is a singer-songwriter from Buffalo, New York. This past Thursday, RnB Junkie Official had the pleasure of interviewing this talented artist. We discussed her introduction into songwriting, her influences, her recent EP 'Ms. Jackson,' and more. Check out our interview with our #IndieArtistSpotlight Danielle Sinclair below.
How would you describe your sound?
Danielle Sinclair: Umm. It’s kind of hard because I don’t think that I sound like what’s out now. I think I have a different sound from what’s mainstream right now, but I will say I’m kind of on the classic R&B side. I would say I'm more classic R&B than what’s out now. I don’t know. I haven’t really pinpointed exactly what I sound like right now. If that makes any sense [laughs]?
When did you realize that not only could you sing, but you were a gifted songwriter as well?
Danielle Sinclair: Umm. I would say I realize that I could sing at a young age. I would probably say I was about seven or eight, and I was actually singing a Toni Braxton song. I believe it was “‘Unbreak My Heart,” and I was like “Oh, I sound kind of good!” So from then on, I started singing in church and choirs through school and stuff. I started actually writing poetry first, and I did that when I was about fourteen. I started writing poetry at fourteen and began writing songs at about sixteen years old.
Being that you’re a singer-songwriter, how important is it to bring your authentic life experiences into your artistry?
Danielle Sinclair: It’s very important, and that’s mostly what I do. If something happened in my life, I pull from that to write songs. It definitely makes people relate to you more because they'll realize that you’re going through similar things that they’re going through. So, it’s really important to pull from what I am going through and put it into my song and put it into my music.
Who are some of your top musical influences?
Danielle Sinclair: I would definitely say, Brandy. I like a lot of old school music like Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Toni, and Janet Jackson, a lot of females. I like a lot of male R&B too. You know, Brian McKnight and Tyrese, people like that.
Since today is ‘#ThrowbackThursday’, what are three albums you feel every artist, songwriter, or producer need to study?
Danielle Sinclair: Definitely ‘Full Moon’ by Brandy, for the 'Throwback Thursday.’ Umm. What’s another one I can listen to straight through? I’m sorry. I’m just thinking [laughs]. Aaliyah self-titled album that’s something I listen to straight through. I’m stumped on the third one, can we come back to that one [laughs]?
You released an EP this year titled 'Ms. Jackson'. Can you tell us a little about the concept of the EP?
Danielle Sinclair: Yeah, really what I tried to do on my EP is try to pull from different parts of my personality, so each song kind of a different side of me. Like ‘Janet’s Them’ was the sensual, sexy, seductive side. The second song is called ‘Secrets,’ that’s kind of like I’m going through it. I’m heartbroken and finding out some information that I didn’t know about prior. ‘Sex Back’ is kind of like a liberation song. I’m trying to take back the power from someone who hurt me. ‘Paris’ is a turn-up song, you know a little ratchet [laughs], or a lot of ratchet but it still has an R&B vibe to it.
On your song ‘Sex Back,’ you showed that you could dabble in rap as well?
Danielle Sinclair: Yes, that kind of happened overnight. I think it was a couple of years ago when Monica did the #SoGoneChallenge. Everybody was like rapping; even the people who didn't usually rap. I’m just like "Oh, I should try this,” and I ended up doing the #SoGoneChallenge. I got such a huge response from it, like a positive response and then I started incorporating rap, (well I wouldn’t call it rapping I’m more like a lyricist), into my music. That’s how ‘Sex Back’ came about.
I truly enjoyed listening to your ‘Ms. Jackson’ EP. I admire your skillful usage of words and wordplay. It was refreshing, as well as showed your versatility. Which song from your EP do you feel like you connected with the most?
Danielle Sinclair:The one that pulls on my heartstrings is probably ‘Secrets,’ that’s the second one on the EP. Yeah, definitely ’Secrets.’ I vibe out the most to ‘Janet’s Theme,’ but ’Secrets’ is definitely like the most personal one to me.
Will you be creating visuals to go along with the songs from your EP?
Danielle Sinclair:Yes, I am working on the visual for ‘Janet’s Theme’ now. That’s in the works, so I am excited about that.
What’s next for Danielle Sinclair?
Danielle Sinclair: Next, I will be doing a show at the end of next month. Actually, I have a couple of shows coming up. I’ll be doing a show through a local radio station in my hometown, and then I’ll be doing my own show like an EP release of sorts. I’ll be doing that in October, so I am excited about that. I will be releasing a full album probably towards the end of next year.
Where can our followers find your music, as well as reach you on social media?
Danielle Sinclair: They can find my music it’s on all streaming platforms iTunes, Google Play, Tidal, Spotify, Deezer, and Amazon. It is literally everywhere. On social media, Instagram you can find me at @DanielleSinclairSing, on Facebook Danielle Sinclair, and on Twitter @DaniSingclair (that’s @-d-a-n-i-s-i-n-g-c-l-a-i-r).
Thank you for such a great interview!
Danielle Sinclair: Oh, no problem. Thank you for taking the time to do this because I mean as an independent artist it’s hard for us sometimes to get the exposure we need. I really appreciate it.
South Carolina native and American Idol Season 12 alum Candice Glover returns with her empowering new single and video “Break Me” about women who have been mistreated in love and life and encourage them to follow their hearts.
SEE “BREAK ME” BELOW:
On the song Glover says:
“I want to tell all the young women out there that whatever you’ve been through, your best days are ahead. We’re all taking back our power. I want to empower women. It’s a coincidence the song came out now. I wrote that song from an authentic part in my heart. I want to encourage all of the women and men in my hometown to just do it. Follow your dreams. Don’t be afraid.”
In Aaliyah’s short 7 year career, she
accomplished more than most could imagine from three multi-platinum albums,
Grammy nominations to starring lead role in Blockbuster films. August 25th
marks 18 years since her untimely passing. @RnBJunkieOfficial felt it was only
right to look back at her best songs and impact they’ve made spanning her
albums and featured soundtrack appearances in our latest edition of Top ten
Best Songs. We’ve also included Honorable mentioned cuts.
10 COME OVER
From the Album: I Care 4 U
A standout Johnta Austin cut that didn’t make Aaliyah’s
third album and later used on her posthumous album. It became a top 10 R&B
hit. Sidenote: R&B duo Changing Faces recorded a version for their third
album Visit Me.
09 HOT LIKE FIRE (TIMBALAND’S GROOVE MIX)
From the Album: One In A Million
Often praised as the standout version over the original
album version.
08 AT YOUR BEST (YOU ARE LOVE)
From the Album: Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number
At the tender age of 15, Aaliyah skillfully showcased her
angelic and melodic voice on her cover of this Isley Brother’s classic.
Reintroduced to both the old and new, Aaliyah made it a classic again in her
own right.
07 MORE THAN A WOMAN
From the Album: Aaliyah
This Timbaland produced and Grammy-nominated song
represented just what Aaliyah was. Released as the second single from Aaliyah’s
final album it became a top 10 R&B hit.
06 IF YOUR GIRL ONLY KNEW
From the Album: One In A Million
Released as the lead single from Aaliyah’s sophomore
album and the song that really put Timbaland & Missy on the map. The song
became Aaliyah’s second No. 1 R&B hit up to that point.
05 MISS YOU
From the Album: I Care 4 U
Written by a young Johnta Austin for Aaliyah’s third
album but after not making the cut, it was later issued on her posthumous album
as the lead single and became her fourth and last No. 1 R&B hit.
04 TRY AGAIN
From the Album: Romeo Must Die Original Motion Picture
Soundtrack
Aaliyah scored her second Grammy nomination with this
song. It became her first and only single to top Billboard’s Hot 100’s chart.
03 ONE IN A MILLION
From the Album: One In A Million
Chosen as the second single in the US from Aaliyah’s
sophomore album. While it missed both the Hot 100 and R&B charts, this
Timbaland & Missy Elliott penned song would go on to become one of her most
innovative and identifiable songs amongst critics and fans alike.
02 ROCK THE BOAT
From the Album: Aaliyah
Written by Static Major, this song is a bittersweet
moment to music fans as Aaliyah was killed on impact shortly after the filming
of the music video. The song went on to peak at No. 2 on the R&B chart and
secured her a Grammy-nomination.
01 ARE YOU THAT SOMEBODY? (FEATURING TIMBALAND)
From the Album: Dr. Dolittle Original Motion Picture
Soundtrack
Paired with producer/rapper Timbaland and the late Static
Major, this song earned Aaliyah her first Grammy nomination of her career and
became her third No. 1 R&B single.
R&B singer and
songwriter Vivian Green has unveiled the visual to her latest single “Vibes”
which serves as the second single from her current album VGVI.
The video was filmed
in Townsend, GA and directed by fame photographer/director Derek Blanks.
SEE “VIBES” BELOW:
Last year I caught
up with Vivian Green for an exclusive interview to discuss her album VGVI and
much more. Read HERE!
R&B songstress Traci Braxton has released her much-anticipated sophomore studio album, On Earth, via eOne which follows after 2014’s Crash & Burn.
The 8-track project is led by buzz single “Broken Things” featuring sisters Toni, Towanda & Traci Braxton and her official lead single “Lifeline”.
On Earth is a joyous occasion because when it says, ‘This is the greatest feeling on earth,’ my life right now is the greatest feeling on earth,” Traci says.
Traci also made her acting debut in the new film Sinners Wanted, starring Clifton Powell, Lamman Rucker, Tasha Cobbs and Roland Martin.
R&B vet Case has announced his seventh studio album, Therapy and fans can pre-order it ahead of it’s Sept 7 release date HERE..
The 12-track collection features guest appearances from Teddy Riley & Tank, Slim from 112, The Floacist, Misha Fair and Teraye & Alexis Renee.
Therapy is Case’s first project since 2015’s Heaven’s Door and is his first with X-Ray Records.
To support the album, Case has also announced tour dates, kicking off August 25th @ the Marriott Wardman Park in Washington, DC with Mint Condition’s frontman Stokley. The tour will also make stops in other major cities including Atlanta, Las Vegas, St. Louis and more before closing out October 7 in Savannah, GA @ the Savannah Civic Center.
SEE TOUR DATES BELOW
Aug 25 Marriott Wardman Park Washington, DC w/ Stokley
Aug 31 Hosting Ice Bar Atlanta
Sep 7 Red Rock Casino Las Vegas RBRM 2018 Tour w/ Kid Capri
Sep7 THERAPY ALBUM RELEASE DATE
Sep 9 Westside Pavillion Tuolumne, CA RBRM 2018 Tour
Sep 16 Chaifetz Arena St. Louis, MO RBRM 2018 Tour
Sep 21 Ford Amp Coney RBRM 2018 Tour
Oct 5 Centraplex Colesium Macon, GA RBRM 2018 Tour
Oct 6 Chastain Park Amp Atlanta, GA RBRM 2018 Tour
Oct 7 Savannah Civic Center Savannah, GA RBRM 2018 Tour
Jazz, founding member of the award-winning and multi-platinum R&B group Dru Hill that brought the music world top forty hits such as "In My Bed", "How Deep Is Your Love", "Never Make a Promise", "I Should Be...", "Tell Me" to name a few, returns with his latest uplifting solo single "All Your Love" via his own label DigiGrind Unlimited/Incisive Entertainment. I caught up with Jazz to discuss the single, his upcoming EP, much talked-about departure from Dru Hill that led to his solo venture and much more in our exclusive interview.
TERRANCE: First off, congratulations on the release of your new single “All Your Love”. How are you feeling at the moment?
JAZZ: Thank you. I’m feeling great about everything thus far. I’m getting great reviews about the song. The love from my fans has been amazing. I’m truly blessed to have their support.
TERRANCE: Tell us about the song, how it came together and why people should go download it if they haven’t already.
JAZZ: The song is about how much you truly love the person you’re with and what you would do for her in the name of love. Writing this song came naturally. Once I heard the track, I was feeling the vibe and literally wrote the song in 20 minutes. If you haven’t downloaded “All Your Love” you’re truly missing a great record. This is a feel-good song that will have you dancing and enjoying the moment. I guarantee you will sing along with this record as well. Everyone can relate to this song.
TERRANCE: Is there an album or EP in the works that we can look forward to? If so, what can we expect sonically?
JAZZ: An EP is definitely in the works. You can expect the same type of music from me that you’ve grown accustomed to. I’m in touch with my fanbase. I know what they want to hear and I will deliver a great product to them. They won’t be disappointed.
TERRANCE: How would you compare the Dru Hill studio process to recording as a solo artist?
JAZZ: The major difference is not having your brothers around. You create differently and it’s all on you. I’m enjoying the experience.
TERRANCE: You've been with major labels in the past, so what has the transition been like creating your own label DigiGrind Unlimited?
JAZZ: The transition been good. You must put the work in. The grind is non-stop. You have to do everything on your own. You get a chance to see the other side of the music BUSINESS. That’s why it’s important to have a great team around you. For this song/venture, I partnered with Incisive Entertainment. Everything’s been good. No complaints
TERRANCE: On a scale from 1 to 10 with 10 being the highest, how pleased are you with the state of R&B right now?
JAZZ: In all actuality, R&B is good right now. Thanks to publications like this, you keep the R&B fans informed of their favorite artist. Notice when you have an R&B show come to your town, it’s sold out. There’s still a place in the music industry for R&B. So, I would give the state of R&B an 8 right now.
TERRANCE: There's been conflicting reports regarding your departure from Dru Hill recently. Can you clear up any confusion?
JAZZ: First and foremost, I have love for my brothers. We’ve made great music, traveled the world, and sold millions of records. I’ve been afforded an opportunity that few of us can imagine. Dru Hill will always be family. We support each other endeavors. I just wanted to release some music. There’s no conflict with any of us.
TERRANCE: October marks the 20th anniversary of Dru Hill’s sophomore album Enter the Dru. What’s the most fondest memory about recording that album?
JAZZ: The creativity surrounding that album. We (Dru Hill) all participated in making a masterpiece. Along with household names such as Babyface, Daryl Simmons, Warryn Campbell, David Foster, Diane Warren. You also had producers such as David “Baby Dave” Evans, Ralph Stacy and Dutch. With all those elements involved, it helped the album go double platinum.
TERRANCE: What are your standout favorites from that album?
JAZZ: I really enjoy songs like “Holding You”, “Nowhere Without You”, “One Good Reason”, “Angel”, “What Do I Do With the Love”, “Beauty”, “These Are the Times”.
TERRANCE: Talk about your craziest fan encounter either solo or with your group.
JAZZ: My fans are very respectful. No wild stories. Thank GOD.
TERRANCE: Thus far in your career, what has been the greatest lesson learned?
JAZZ: The greatest lesson I’ve learned is you will have ups and downs in this business. Just keep faith in GOD and you will overcome any obstacles.
TERRANCE: Can we expect to see you on the road anytime soon? Any special appearances to look out for?
JAZZ: I’m getting things together. Just stay tuned.
TERRANCE: Anything else you would like to share with the readers and your fans?
JAZZ: I just want to say thanks to everyone for their continued support. Also, I would like to thank you for giving me this platform to engage with the readers. I truly appreciate you. You can follow me on Instagram @jazzdigigrind. Don’t forget to purchase my single “All Your Love”. Available on all digital outlets.
Our next #IndieArtistSpotlight hails from Memphis, Tennessee and goes by the name of ArTay. With dreams of becoming a successful recording artist, ArTay made a conscious and life changing decision to relocate to Atlanta. 'RnB Junkie Official' had the opportunity to interview this passionate, independent artist. ArTay shared details about his musical upbringing, debut single "FaceTime Me," forthcoming EP, and more. Check out our interview with our #IndieArtistSpotlight ArTay below.
When did you first realize you could sing?
ArTay: I first realized I could sing when I was about seven years old, and it was at church. I lead “His Eye Is On The Sparrow,” and everybody was coming up to me after church telling me how well I did. Back in the day, at my home church, we used to record all of our services. My mom bought me the audio tape. After listening to it, I was like wait! I'm sounding kind of good and all of that. So, it was about seven years old when I realized that I could sing.
So you have been singing for a long time, what made you want to pursue it professionally?
ArTay: I have always wanted to be a professional singer. Growing up listening to Brandy and how she was and all of that. How she performed and her vocal ability really inspired me to want to become a professional singer. I didn’t just wake up like one morning and say, “Oh my God I want to be a singer.” This has always been instilled in me, and I am so grateful that I am able to try to chase my dream and follow my dreams now. So, I have always wanted to be a professional singer.
You are from Memphis Tennessee, which is known as the "home of Blues" and the "birthplace of Rock and Roll." How has growing up in Tennessee impacted your outlook on music?
ArTay: Oh my God, it has impacted me so much. Being the fact that [it's where] I grew up, a majority of my family sing and I come from a singing family, and all we did growing up was sing. I had so much access to you know Bell Street; it's a common street in Memphis, Tennessee which is home of the Blues where you could go to different Karaoke spots. Memphis has really impacted me and shown me how to grind and just stay on top of my music.
Country music is also significant in Tennessee, will we hear any elements of country in your music?
ArTay: Ummm, not on this EP probably in the future you would. I wouldn’t mind doing a country song. I love trying different challenges and testing my voice. Not right now, but in the future, you probably will.
Who are some of your musical influences?
ArTay: Of course Brandy. I have been loving Brandy since I was seven years old. I remember standing in my grandmother’s living room and “I Wanna Be Down” came on and I was like, “Oh my God, who is this woman?” I just fell in love with her ever since. I have been following her and listening to her. She has taught me so much. One of my cousins Toya Watts she’s a singer as well. I remember growing up and just loving to hear her sing. She had a voice of an angel; she’s very inspirational to me. Still, to this day I look up to her, and I ask her a few things as far as singing and all of that. My mom, she’s very an inspiration to me when it comes to music as well. I would have to say Stevie Wonder and Whitney Houston, to name a few.
What are some of the pros and cons you have faced being an independent artist?
ArTay: Oh my God, Just recently I purchased a beat from this producer here in Atlanta. He claimed that he gave me the beat, but I was like no you didn’t give me the beat. Can I get the beat and all of that, so he stopped inboxing me and texting me. I kind of ran across that being the fact that in Atlanta it's kind of hard to come across some people who are very professional. I also realize that being an independent artist here in Atlanta there are so many people that are trying to chase their dreams and their careers it’s hard to book studios as well, so it’s very time consuming when it comes to booking a studio and just trying to get your music out there. That's the kind of problems I came across.
The pros, Atlanta has really taught me how to be independent and how to grind hard and chase your dreams. Coming from Memphis, I think that I was kind of comfortable in just singing and really not taking my music seriously. Once I moved to Atlanta I was more on my own, so I had to get on my own two feet and grind even harder to get my name out there being the fact that I am new to the city and as a new independent artist, so I really had to grind and just get my name out there.
This year you released your debut single “FaceTime Me.” What was that experience like for you?
ArTay: When I first wrote “FaceTime Me,” everybody thought that it was about someone in particular, but it’s not. I have a cousin that I am really close to, and we call each other baby, and she had FaceTime me one day, and before I picked up the FaceTime I started singing “why don’t you FaceTime Me?” I said, “wait this sound good I need to write to this,” so I actually declined her FaceTime and began to write and then once I got done, I FaceTimed her back. When I first recorded my single, I was excited because it showed me that I could do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I was able to record my first single, something that I always wanted to do. So, that really inspired me to keep moving forward and to press even harder to get my EP out there and get my name out there.
You know me and how I feel about RnB Music. “FaceTime Me” is one of my favorite songs released this year. It’s relatable and very catchy.
ArTay: Thank you. Thank you.
Will there be a video for “FaceTime Me?”
ArTay: I’m actually working on that now. I’m supposed to get everything together; everything should be squared away within the next two weeks or so. I am really working hard to find the perfect videographer who could record me and the video. I don’t want to put just anything out being the fact I am new, so I want to make sure that it’s right. In the next two weeks, it should be out.
Can you tell us a little about the new music you’re working on?
ArTay: With this EP I wanted to be more intimate. I want to bring the real R&B back, so the majority of these songs are talking about love, how to stay in a relationship, and even talking about how the grass is not greener on the other side. You know sometimes in relationships some people think that the grass is greener on the other side, so that was like one of my experiences in life, thinking that the grass was greener on the other side, but it wasn’t. I just want to be very intimate with this EP and be very personal.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
ArTay: The highlight of my career has been me traveling to different cities and just performing my single. I just recently left Philly and Philly showed me so much love, and I was really surprised because being the fact that people don’t know me but they got attached to my song. Everybody was coming up to me telling how good of a job I did and how much they loved my song. I never in a million years thought that I would be traveling around the world and singing, so I am very grateful for that.
You have a showcase coming up next week?
ArTay: I do. It’s actually in New York. It’s a showcase where you’re able to win first place and second place. The first place you can win $500 and a meeting with a major record label. Second place is $200, and you can also win another meeting with a major record label. I am hoping and praying that I get the first place because I really do want this. Singing is my dream and always something that I want to do, so why not go for first place? There are going to be some more major record labels there as well Atlantic, Columbia, Def Jam, and Republic just to name a few. So, I am really hoping and very excited that I am able to be on this showcase to show my talent.
Right now are you under management or are you managing yourself?
ArTay: Right now I am I am managing myself. I did that because there is a lot of stuff that I need to learn and there’s a lot of stuff that I want to learn as far as being independent and just being fresh to the scene. I didn’t want to get up under a record label just at this point right now. Yeah, I am just taking it slow and taking it day by day and just learning. You learn from your mistakes, and this is something I wanted to do right now.
We cannot wait until the release of your EP. Where can our followers find your music?
ArTay: You can find my music on all digital outlets. My music is available on iTunes, GooglePay, Spotify, Amazon Music, Tidal, everywhere. Just type in Artay “FaceTime Me,” and I should pop up. You can also follow me on social media. On Instagram it's @4everartay. The number 4-e-v-e-r-a-r-t-a-y and Facebook it’s ArTay Driver.
