Monday, April 29, 2019

New Mixtape: Tink - "Voicemails"


Chicago native singer-songwriter TINK returns with her first full-length project Voicemails since her 2018 EP Pain & Pleasure.

The 12-track release features only one guest appearance: DeJ Loaf ("Ride It") and is led by the single and visual "Bad Side":


LISTEN TO VOICEMAILS BELOW:




Sunday, April 28, 2019

New Music: BJ the Chicago Kid - Time Today, Announces Upcoming Album '1123'


Grammy nominated Singer-songwriter BJ the Chicago Kid returns with his sultry new single "Time Today".



On the song, he adds:


This is the song that you play when you finally have time, the song you play as you imagine having the time and the song you send to that loved one to prepare for that time. This song simply lets that person know that they’re never forgotten about.

"Time Today" is the lead single from the Illinois artist upcoming project 1123, slated for a Summer 2019 release and follows after his critically-acclaimed album In My Mind.

Leela James Announces the "Are You Ready" Tour


R&B/Soul Singer-songwriter LEELA JAMES recently dropped her collaborative EP Are You Ready with The Truth Band which features the rock-infused lead single, "That Woman".


James has now announced a 19-city tour in support of the project, starting June 21st in Covington, KY and making stops in major cities such as Cleveland, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis, Baton Rouge, Orlando, Atlanta, Durham, before wrapping up in Glenside, PA on July 18th.

LEELA JAMES "ARE YOU READY" TOUR DATES:

Jun-21 - Covington, KY - Madison Theater
Jun-22 - Indianapolis, IN - The Vogue
Jun-24 - Cleveland, OH - House of Blues
Jun-25 - Chicago, IL - Thalia Hall
Jun-26 - Nashville, TN - Marathon Music Works
Jun-28 - Memphis, TN - Minglewood Hall
Jun-30 - Birmingham, AL - Saturn
Jul-2 - Baton Rouge, LA - Varsity Theatre
Jul-3 - Mobile, AL - Soul Kitchen
Jul-5 - Ponte Vedra Beach, FL - Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
Jul-6 - Clearwater, FL - Capitol Theatre
Jul-7 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Broward Center for Perf. Arts - Amaturo Theatre
Jul-8 - Orlando, FL - Plaza Live
Jul-10 - Savannah, GA - Victory North
Jul-12 - Atlanta, GA - Atlanta Symphony Hall
Jul-13 - Columbia, SC - The Senate
Jul-15 - Durham, NC - Carolina Theatre
Jul-17 - New York, NY - Webster Hall
Jul-18 - Glenside, PA - Keswick Theatre


Friday, April 26, 2019

New Music: Monica - Me + You...


Grammy Award-winning R&B Songstress MONICA took to social media to announce her newest single, "Me + You..."

HEAR A SAMPLE BELOW:


"Me + You..." is the follow-up single after "Commitment" from Monica's upcoming album Chapter 38.

Glenn Jones Headlines "Love By Design" 2019 Tour


Grammy nominated R&B recording artist GLENN JONES who recently aired his TVOne's Unsung feature this month, headlines the 2019 "Love By Design" tour in support of his upcoming album of the same name.

The Love By Design album features the title track duet with R&B Songstress Regina Belle.


The Love By Design tour kicked off April 20th in Edison, NJ and will make stops in Houston TX, Washington DC, Chicago IL, Detroit MI, Atlanta GA as well as international markets: South Africa and the UK.


Last year, RnBJunkieOfficial caught up with the crooner to discuss his latest single, upcoming album, tour and much more. See HERE!

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

New Video: Sammie - Face to Face, Announces The Everlasting Tour

 
 
In March of this year, R&B Singer-songwriter SAMMIE released his fifth studio LP Everlasting which features the singles, "Times 10" ft. Lil Baby, "H.L.I.T.L. and the new single "Face to Face" which is accompanied by the visual:
 
 
On the song, Sammie adds:
 
"Being in a relationship is hard work, but LOVE is the most rewarding experience any human can have. Face to Face...it’s literal. I grew tired of running from myself. Lying in a bed of lies. So much so, that if I recited them enough times I’d start to believe that they were true. It became sickening and difficult to carry. At some point, we all must look at ourselves in the mirror and chisel at the things we don’t fancy about ourselves."
 
In other Sammie news, the crooner has announced The Everlasting Tour alongside Damar Jackson in support of his album
 

Sammie's The Everlasting Tour Dates & Venues:

June 3  –  Seattle, WA  –  The Vera Project
June 5  –  Sacramento, CA  –  Harlows
June 6 – Oakland, CA – Starline
June 7 – Long Beach, CA – Cirivello’s
June 13 – Kansas City – The Riot Room
June 15 – Indianapolis – The Citadel
June 16 – Chicago, IL – The Promontory
June 19 – Boston – Sonia
June 20 – New York – S.O.B.s
June 21 – Washington D.C. – Milkboy
June 23 – Atlanta, GA – Vinyl

 
sammie the everlasting tour flyer

An Interview with Pamela Long of Total


PAMELA LONG, rose to prominence in the 90’s as ⅓ of the Platinum-selling R&B Group Total (“Trippin”, “Kissin’ You”, “What About Us?”, “Can’t You See” featuring The Notorious B.I.G., “No One Else”). Offering her first single of the year “Why” which features Philly rap sensation Bre-Z, I caught up with Pamela to discuss what led up to her new single, forthcoming musical ventures, the current status of Total and much more in our exclusive interview...

"WHY" IS AVAILABLE ON ALL DIGITAL MUSIC STREAMING PLATFORMS:


TERRANCE: In three words describe your personality.

PAMELA LONG: God-fearing, Loving, True.

TERRANCE: Talk about your new single “Why” and how it came together.

PAMELA LONG: My new single “Why” is a track that was done by a producer I know by the name of Kenny Black. I was actually going through some things. I was going through a break-up with my ex-husband and I heard the track and I told him one day that it was just on me to get out how I was feeling and I was actually singing and crying on the microphone and my heart was crying, “Why”? and that’s how that record came about.

TERRANCE: Rising female rap sensation Bre-Z is featured. Where did you find her?

PAMELA LONG: Oh man, Bre is such a wonderful person. I would say my little sister and I’m so thankful for her. When we first met, she was like, ‘Pam I’ve always had a love for you and always thought you were dope and I love Total, but you rocked hard or whatever.’ I had found out she was doing music and I told her that I was doing a record and I was like, would you get on it? She was like, Yes! And she kept her word from day one. I sent her the record and she dropped the lyrics and I loved the record and it came full circle and that’s how that happened. She is a sweetheart and a woman of her word.

TERRANCE: What was it like filming the visual for this single?


PAMELA LONG: It had moments where I was emotional. If you just take a moment to watch the video when I was sitting on the floor and I was ripping up the pictures, I was actually reminded of some of the things that I went through in the relationship with my ex-husband and those were real tears that I was crying. It took me back and it got very emotional at one point or another. And the two dancers that you see dancing in the video, they are actually playing out the relationship that we had. When it was good, it was good and when it was bad, it was bad.

TERRANCE: Is there an album or EP in the works or singles the focus right now?

PAMELA LONG: Right now the single is actually doing really well which I thank God for, so that is my focus, but the album is done. I have an album that is done already and so right now, I’m pretty much saying, do I put out the EP first, album second? So it’s like I’m in that place, but definitely I am ready to drop. I’m just getting everything together and making sure from my standpoint of what it is that I want to do. We’re actually following up because at the end of the “Why” video, it’s to be continued with the next single. That’s definitely coming and looking forward for the video for that to be amazing as well too, because this album really is my story. It’s really my life and the things I went through, so it’s not separate. You know how sometimes an artist get songs from someone and pretty much put an album together like that? This is like that Mary J. Blige “My Life” album. This is where my heart is. It reminds me so much of “My Life”. This is Pamela Long’s life.

TERRANCE: Are we expecting strictly R&B or different genres?


PAMELA LONG: Absolutely, Terrance. I put myself in that place where it’s almost like a Chance the Rapper/Bruno Mars type feel and that’s what this album is. I got Pop records. I got joints that are straight up and down R&B. I got Hip Hop and R&B. I have a Dance record on there. I have a ballad on the album and I did a Gospel record as well. There’s so many different genres and because of it, I’m so thankful and I thank God because there are so many different colors to Pamela Long. Total was strictly R&B but Pamela Long has so many different elements to her and so I’m so thankful to be able to express myself.

TERRANCE: How have you adapted in the way you promote your music and interact with fans on social media?

PAMELA LONG: I think social media is such a great avenue, because you really, truly and honestly get to be hands-on with the fans. Remember the fan clubs and all of that stuff? I really didn’t have time to sit down and write letters, but if someone DM or inbox you, you can hit them right back up, so I think it’s a great turnaround. I think it’s really great and also to put yourself back in the face of everybody.

TERRANCE: What can you tell us about the current status of Total?

PAMELA LONG: We’re all just venturing off to do the things that were in our hearts. When I first came to the group I was a solo artist. It was like I always I had this burden on the inside when I was a little girl, like I was part of the Jackson family and with that being said, this was something that was destined. This is something that I believe was truly God given’, so it’s like I’m taking that moment to do what’s in my heart because I don’t want to live with that, “what if?”.

TERRANCE: So Total isn’t broken up?

PAMELA LONG: Not at all. Just to clear it up. We’re not broken up.

TERRANCE: Can you share a special memory about recording the first Total album?


PAMELA LONG: There are so many. A special memory was when we were in the studio recording “Can’t You See”. Being there and doing our thing. It was the first time that we ever recorded in a huge studio, I would say. Before that and just being so young, that was the first time Kima and Keisha had heard a song in the studio and my first time hearing my voice in a studio. But to be in a big, huge studio like Hit Factory, it was like a dream come true for a kid who always wanted to just do music and being there with Biggie just sitting there vibin’. That was a special moment to just be sitting there and not knowing this record was about to hit so hard and be all over the charts. It’s like I can almost see it now with everybody in the studio just sitting and rocking the chairs back and forth and Biggie comes in ‘Give me all the chicken heads from Pasadena to Medina’. That’s the moment (laughs).

TERRANCE: Where were you when you first heard “Can’t You See” on the radio and what was your reaction?

 PAMELA LONG: You know what? I actually believe I was home with my family and my sister was like, “Total is on the radio.” But because of the fact that I had heard the song so much, it didn’t hit me at first but then when you realize you’re on the radio and getting phone calls saying, you’re on the radio.

TERRANCE: Is there a personal favorite Total song or one you thought should’ve been pushed as a single?

PAMELA LONG: I would have to go with “Can’t You See” as forever being that joint. When that one first dropped I always knew that was the one for me, I believe. And one song I believe should’ve been a single is “I Don’t Wanna Smile” written by the great Diane Warren for our second album, Kima, Keisha & Pam. That was an amazing record.

TERRANCE: Do you think there will ever be a third Total album in the near future?

PAMELA LONG: One thing I can say is there’s a possibility that anything is possible. We can come back around. I’m not going to say no, but I am going to say, I believe there are a lot of things Kima, Keisha and myself have accomplished together and we have a brand that is truly God given and I don’t think will ever die out and I believe there is a possibility. Just right now, at this moment, we all are reaching for the very thing that are within’ our hearts. There is no animosity. You know how people walk away and say I’ll never, ever speak to you again? There is nothing like that.

TERRANCE: People have always wondered why there wasn’t a follow-up album after the Platinum-selling second album Kima, Keisha & Pam.


PAMELA LONG: Right. There were some things going on just eternally to where there wasn’t a third Total album at the height of our careers. I can just speak for myself that I had to find Pamela. I’ll never forget November 1999. That was when Jesus had called me, you know what I mean? That’s when the Lord called my name. From that moment, my life had changed ever since. It was the best thing that had ever happened to me, and so I look at it and thank God now. At the time I couldn’t understand why he called like that, but it was only because God called my life to save my life.


TERRANCE: What are your thoughts on reality TV? Is that something you would get into to further promote your brand?

PAMELA LONG: When it comes to reality TV I’m very careful with that. I would go with something that wouldn’t make me look buffoonery. I’m definitely not making myself look crazy. I would only go for something that shows me in a positive light and allow people to see that you don’t have to go left. That would be the only way for me. You don’t have to go left for it to be entertaining. I would also have to have Executive Producer on it, because you know how they edit a scene that wasn’t there. I’m not full of drama and not about the negativity. That’s not who I am.

TERRANCE: Talk a little about the webinar you announced about the secrets to success in the music industry.

PAMELA LONG: Yes. You know what? I’ve learned so much being under Puff. I think that a lot of times a lot of people are looking to get on, but there are some insights that they don’t have. My thing is that if you have knowledge you’re supposed to share it. It’s about sharing and to give them some insights as to how to get there. Also I think a lot of times in this industry a lot of artists give up their authenticity, you know what I mean? They give it up because sometimes you sign to a label and they want you to sound like this one and they want you to look like that one. But look at the 90’s, LL Cool J, Biggie, Craig Mack, Busta Rhymes, Total, SWV, TLC, 702. Everybody was different but we all were making it and doing it and so my thing is to let people know like at the end of the day, hold on to you and those are some of the secrets that I’ve learned. I’ve learned so many things from Puff and a lot of people don’t know how to make a hit record. These are some things that I’ve learned that I definitely want to share.

TERRANCE: You mentioned learning from Puff and so with that being said, from your experiences what have you learned that you apply to how you function in your own business?

PAMELA LONG: You said it. I learned business from that man. He was a genius. The way that he did things to where it was noticeable to everybody and the things he did behind the scenes. I also learned how to be able to hear music so differently because I can hear instruments. I would sit back in the studio and watch this man come in and as the whole track is playing, he would be like, ‘okay bring the horns down, bring the bass up’ and you’re saying to yourself, how can he hear all of that and all he did was walk into the room? So with that and being under that privilege, I thank God for it because it’s really, truly and honestly helped me. When I go into the studio now, I sit down and I thank God because God has given me the insights or I should say to be able to observe what’s going on in a track because when I hear it, I can say, you gotta turn the vocals down a little bit, they are a little too sharp or they are a little too pointy. The very thing that people wouldn’t hear God has provided me the privilege I would say to hear the things that I used to see and I never thought I would’ve been able to do such and so I’m so grateful.

TERRANCE: Any final words you would like to share with your fans, followers and the readers?

PAMELA LONG: I would just say to everybody, stay tuned to Pamela Long. There’s a lot that I have coming. Stay in the pipeline. Also for those who are looking to get into the industry please, please, please, please, please, don’t come into this industry thinking that it’s all peaches and cream because it’s not, you know what I mean? Don’t come into the industry thinking that it’s gonna happen right away. Be prepared for the dirty. If you’re looking for a moment, this ain’t what you want to do, but if you’re looking to take the dirty, then by all means jump in. I also want to say Terrance, that your foundation coming into this industry is very important. I’ve seen a lot of people come into this industry and really to be honest become something that they didn’t think they could become, including myself. There were some things that happened to me that you know, you’ll say, oh I’ll never do that, but then the very thing you say never to, is the very thing that you can become, so you got to make sure that your foundation is so solid and the only solid foundation that I’ve come to realize and to know without a shadow of a doubt is the one that I depend on and that is Jesus Christ, the son of God. I will tell anyone at the end of the day that if you don’t have him, please I employ you to get to know him and if you don’t believe that he really and truly is the way then just ask him to show you and that’s how I would love to end it that way, because that’s what I do know now. I know it and I’m so thankful I know it now.

FOLLOW PAMELA LONG:



Monday, April 22, 2019

Interview: Stan Genius Discuss Latest Single "Cross Your Mind", Upcoming Project & More...



Rising R&B/Pop sensation STAN GENIUS is ready to take the music world by storm. The Singer-songwriter released his first project LightSkin Issues in 2017 followed by A Genius Holiday. I caught up with Stan Genius to discuss his latest single "Cross Your Mind", Upcoming Project, Musical Influences & much more...



TERRANCE: First, tell us a little about where you’re from and when you realized you were ready to share your gifts with the world.

STAN GENIUS: I'm from Atlanta, Georgia. Music is always something I knew I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to share my gift with the world by age 5, by putting on my first “homemade” concert as well as selling original CD’s.

TERRANCE: Who were your musical influences growing up?
STAN GENIUS: Michael Jackson, Charlie Wilson, Luther Vandross, and Stevie Wonder were all very influential to me at a young age. 

TERRANCE: In one word describe your sound.

STAN GENIUS: FUN! It's RnB with a Pop appeal.

TERRANCE: As a songwriter, do you usually write from the experiences of your own or the experiences of others?

STAN GENIUS: Hahaha.. both. I can see something casual in life that may not pertain to me that I think is a good concept for a song, but the more personal and serious ones are usually experiences of my own.

TERRANCE: Talk about the inspiration behind your single “Cross Your Mind”.

STAN GENIUS: "Cross Your Mind" was a very fun song to write haha. Me and B (my writing partner) wrote it literally in like 30min over FaceTime. Just thinking of that place in a relationship where it seems like things have hit the fan but you don’t want it to end, which I think is a very relatable feeling for everyone.

TERRANCE: What can you tell us about your upcoming project Star Burst?

STAN GENIUS: Of course. I can definitely say that this music is the best I've ever made and I can’t wait for my fans to hear. It’s very fun and has a great energy. I believe it will make you happy!

TERRANCE: Do you consider social media fundamental to an artist career and independent music in general?

STAN GENIUS: No, I think what’s fundamental is your product, your music. Not a number of followers. I think it can be a great platform to reach people and show your work but I think it's sad that there's so many talented people that do not get the shot they deserve because everything is based off that number.

TERRANCE: From your perspective, what’s a key quality that makes an artist great?

STAN GENIUS: That artist believing that they are intact great.

TERRANCE: What are your aspirations outside of music?

STAN GENIUS: Love this question. One of my biggest goals outside of music is to buy the Falcons when I'm older.

TERRANCE: Are there any upcoming shows, special events or appearances you can tell us about?

STAN GENIUS: I will be performing at the HotLanta Music Festival this month as well as my on going High-School Tour with Hot 107.9 and MEG in Atlanta.

TERRANCE: What advice would you give to the aspiring artist who aspire to do what you do?

STAN GENIUS: Don’t let anyone tell you want you can’t do. Find ways to keep inspiring yourself to keep going EVEN when you DON'T see the results! That's what makes the difference.

TERRANCE: Any final words you would like to share with the readers, your fans and followers about yourself and your music?

STAN GENIUS: I love you all so much, can’t wait for you to hear this new music! Till next time.

Follow Stan Genius:

New Video: Syleena Johnson - 'Woman'


Earlier in the year, Grammy nominated R&B Powerhouse Vocalist SYLEENA JOHNSON released her empowering women anthem, "Woman" and now she delivers the visual.

 
On the song, Johnson adds:
 
“As an artist, my super power is to be able to use my artistry to evoke emotion and change. With what woman have endured in this world, I believe this record will empower and inspire and hopefully change a few perspectives.”

"Woman" is the lead single and title track from Johnson's upcoming 10th overall studio album slated for Summer 2019.
 

New Video: Mya - 'Down'


Grammy Award-winning Singer, songwriter and actress MYA unveils the visual to her latest Caribbean-infused single entitled, "Down", which finds the Entertainer in a tropical location.


"Down" appears on Mya's current album, TKO (The Knock Out).

Sunday, April 21, 2019

New Video: MAJOR. - Love Me Olé (Featuring Kas)


Grammy nominated Pop-Soul recording artist and actor MAJOR. delivers the visual to his latest Latin-infused anthem single, "Love Me Olé", which features Brooklyn-rapper Kas.


MAJOR. recently landed a recurring role as Rashad (related to Queen Latifah's character Carlotta) on the third season of Fox's Star series.

On his role, MAJOR. adds:

“Rashad is this life force and he just comes in and he’s relatable but he brings inspiration, perspective to the storyline. I help shift the way folks are seeing things.”

Friday, April 19, 2019

Rahsaan Patterson Reveals Cover Art, Tracklist + Release Date for Upcoming Album "Heroes & Gods"


Grammy nominated R&B Singer-songwriter and producer RAHSAAN PATTERSON reveals the cover art for his upcoming sixth studio LP Heroes & Gods set for a May 17th release date via Shanachie Entertainment.

The 13-track project includes the lead single, "Sent from Heaven" for which Patterson recently shared the lyric video:


HEROES & GODS TRACK LIST

1 Catch Me When I Fall
2 Wonderful Star
3 Silly Love Fool
4 Rock And Roll
5 Break It Down
6 Don't You Know That
7 Sent From Heaven
8 Wide Awake
9 Soldier
10 Oxford Blues
11 Sweet Memories
12 I Try
13 Heroes & Gods

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Music News: Tank Scores #1 Adult R&B Hit "Dirty" | Johnny Gill Scores Top 10 Adult R&B Hit "Soul of a Woman"

 
This week R&B's leading men TANK and JOHNNY GILL score huge on R&B's Adult Airplay Chart.
 
TANK: From the co-creators of the #1 hit "When We" (J. Valentine and Cardiak), the Grammy-nominated crooner released his single "Dirty" earlier in the year which topped the chart. Released as the lead single, "Dirty" will appear on Tank's upcoming ninth studio album this Spring.
 
STREAM "DIRTY" BELOW:
 

JOHNNY GILL: The Grammy-nominated R&B Vet returned with his latest single "Soul of a Woman", which explores the beauty of women inside and out. The song peaked at No. 9 and will appear on the Legendary singer's upcoming eighth studio album.
 
STREAM "SOUL OF A WOMAN" BELOW: