Silk Sonic Scores Top 10 Billboard R&B Radio Hit "Love's Train"

 

Award-winning dynamic superduo Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak) scores a top 10 Billboard entry at No. 10 this week on the Adult R&B Radio chart for their take on the ConFunkShun 1983 classic "Love's Train".

"Love's Train" follows after their previous singles "Smokin' Out the Window", "Skate" and "Leave the Door Open" from their debut album An Evening with Silk Sonic.

Ella Mai Unveils Artwork + Release Date for Sophomore Album "Heart On My Sleeve"

 

Grammy Award-winning Singer-songwriter Ella Mai took to social media to share the official artwork and release date for her sophomore album Heart On My Sleeve which arrives May 6, 2022.

The album is led by the DJ Mustard-produced single "DFMU". See the visual below:

In a statement about the album, Ella Mai had to say:

"I poured my whole heart into this album, moreso than ever before. I am overly excited for this sophomore journey. Let's do it all over again!"

Heart On My Sleeve follows after Ella Mai's self-titled double platinum debut.

Maxwell Earns 8th No. 1 Billboard R&B Radio Hit "Off"

 

This week three-time Grammy Award-winning artist Maxwell tops the Billboard Adult R&B radio chart with his latest single "Off".

The seductive and quiet storm groove spent 19 consecutive weeks on the chart and has earned Maxwell his 8th overall No. 1 entry on the chart.

"Off" serves as the lead single from Maxwell's upcoming album blacksummers'NIGHT, the final album in the trilogy set after BLACKsummers'night and blackSUMMERS'night.

New Music: J. Brown - "Don't Rush" (featuring Tank)

Billboard Magazine chart-topping Singer-songwriter J. Brown shares his new single entitled "Don't Rush" featuring R&B vet Tank to all music platforms.

Written by Travis Bruce and produced by Brian Vincent Bate, "Don't Rush" serves as the official lead single following the teaser single "Simpin'" from J. Brown's forthcoming debut album Chapter & Verse which arrives May 20th via MoCha Music in partnership with the SRG-ILS Group label imprint.

In a statement about the song, J. Brown says:

"When Tank called me and said he had a record that would be perfect for us to do, there was no doubt in my mind that I had to do it. This was the chance I had been waiting for to work with my idol. Tank is my absolute favorite artist and this was a dream come true to be in the studio with him again. 'Don't Rush' spoke to both of us as it's a sexy sensual song that we thought women around the world would love to hear from us."

RIAA: Mariah Carey Becomes the Most Awarded Female Albums Artist in the United States

 

Big congratulations are in order for Mariah Carey as she become the most awarded female albums artist in the United States according to the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America).

Carey was tied with Barbra Streisand as most awarded female albums artist, but since the RIAA has updated their albums and singles certifications, it pushed Carey's figures to 69.5 million albums certified in the United States.

See all 12 new Mariah Carey Gold, Platinum and Multi-Platinum albums and singles certifications below:

The Songbird Supreme recently collaborated with rapper Latto on "Big Energy" (Remix)

New Music: Latto x Mariah Carey - "Big Energy" (Remix) ft. DJ Khaled

 

Rapper Latto shares the official remix to her top 20 Billboard Hot 100 hit song "Big Energy" which features vocal assistance from the Legendary Mariah Carey and also features DJ Khaled.

The collaborative track samples Tom Tom Club's 1981 single "Genius of Love" which was famously sampled by Carey for her 1995 Hit single "Fantasy".

"Big Energy" appears on Latto's recently released sophomore album 777.

New Music: Eric Roberson - "All I Want" (featuring Kenny Greene & Intro)

Grammy nominated singer, songwriter and record producer Eric Roberson shares his new single entitled "All I Want" featuring the iconic 90's R&B group Intro and their lead singer, the late Kenny Greene assisting him on vocals.

In a statement about the song, Roberson says:

"This song has everything in it that I love about R&B. Emotional subject matter, memorable and dark, deep soulful music. I am a huge fan of the group, Intro. The lead singer, Kenny Greene was one of the best writers and singers I had ever heard. With him passing in 2001, he left a void in R&B. I am extremely happy to have a performance from him showcased on this record."

"All I Want" serves as the third single following "Lessons" and it's remix featuring Anthony Hamilton, Raheem DeVaughn & Kevin Ross from Roberson's upcoming seventeenth studio album Lessons which arrives April 1st via B.L.U.E. ERRO SOUL Entertainment in partnership with UnitedMasters.

Lessons is available for Pre-order HERE

New Video: K. Michelle - "Scooch"

 

Award-winning R&B Superstar K. Michelle shares the official Derek Blanks-directed music video to her mid-tempo feel good single entitled "Scooch".

Produced by Lil Ronnie, "Scooch" serves as the lead single from K. Michelle's upcoming sixth studio album, I'm the Problem.

Mary J. Blige tags H.E.R. for "Good Morning Gorgeous" (Remix)

 

The Legendary Mary J. Blige tags H.E.R. for the official remix to her No. 1 Billboard R&B Hit single "Good Morning Gorgeous".

The original "Good Morning Gorgeous" was co-written with Tiara Thomas, Lucky Daye, H.E.R. & D'Mile and co-produced by the latter two and is featured on Blige's latest album of the same name.

New Music: The Ton3s (formerly known as The Hamiltones) - "Better" + Tour

 

Grammy nominated R&B/Soul trio The Ton3s (formerly known as The Hamiltones) composed of North Carolina natives J. Vito, Tony Lelo & 2E releases their new feel good single entitled "Better" to all music platforms.

The viral sensational group is currently on the We Are the Ton3s tour. See dates, cities and venues below:

New Video: J. Brown Releases Visual for Latest Single "Simpin'"

 

Detroit native and Billboard chart-topping singer, songwriter J. Brown has released the official music video for his latest single entitled "Simpin'".

Produced by Jake & Jared Krumm, "Simpin'" serves as the lead single from Brown's upcoming debut album Chapter & Verse which arrives May 20th via MoCha Music/SRG ILS Group label imprint.

New Music: Normani Releases Vulnerable Ballad "Fair"

Award-winning singer, songwriter Normani shares her new single entitled "Fair" to all streaming platforms.

Produced by Harv, the song is described by Normani as capturing her in one of her most vulnerable moments.

"Fair" follows after Normani's previous Cardi B-assisted single "Wild Side" and is set to appear on her long-awaited debut album this summer.

New Music: Erica Campbell Shares Uplifting Single & Visual for "Positive"

 

Multi-Award winning singer, songwriter and radio host Erica Campbell has released her new uplifting and empowering single and it's James Earl-directed accompanying visual for "Positive" across music platforms.

Written by Erica Campbell, Warryn Campbell and Juan Winans and produced by Warryn Campbell, "Positive" serves as the lead single from Erica's upcoming third album which arrives September 23rd via the My Block Inc./SRG ILS Group label imprint.

"Words have power. Positive is a good word even though it's now connected to something else due to COVID. I just wanted to take that word back and give it the power it deserves. Being positive, thinking positive, knowing that God is sovereign and in control. Knowing the difference between what He is doing and what I am trying to do." -Erica Campbell

New Music: Eric Bellinger - "Only Fan" (Remix) featuring Amber Riley

 

Los Angeles-based Singer-songwriter Eric Bellinger tags along singer and actress Amber Riley for the official remix to "Only Fan".

The original "Only Fan" appears on Bellinger's recently released album New Light.

The pair previously collaborated on 2013's "Never Be Lonely".

Tank Tops Billboard Adult R&B Radio with "I Deserve"

 

This week the R&B General Tank earns his sixth No. 1 Billboard Adult R&B entry for his latest song "I Deserve" after spending 19 consecutive weeks on the chart.

"I Deserve" sees Tank bringing his extraordinary two-decade career full circle by sampling his now-classic 2001 top 40 smash, "Maybe I Deserve".

"I Deserve" serves as the second single following the previous No. 1 "Can't Let It Show" from Tank's upcoming album R&B Money.

Keith Andes Interview: New Single "My Life", Songwriter for Lionel Richie, En Vogue, After 7

Acclaimed songwriter, producer and singer Keith Andes has sold more than 150 million records and worked with artists from Michael Jackson, Prince, Lionel Richie, Boyz II Men, Aaron Neville and Kitaro to Toni Braxton, Mary J. Blige, Deborah Cox, Diana Ross just to name a few.

A classically trained pianist studying Choral Arrangement, orchestration and composition, Andes is celebrated for his prowess in both vocal production and instrumental arrangements and numerous platinum and gold sales awards from major labels including Capitol, Columbia, Epic and Warner Bros. attest to both his musical brilliance and his mastery as a producer.

In addition to writing and producing for artists including Babyface, Az Yet, James Ingram, En Vogue and After 7, Andes has both produced and created original soundtracks for television and film including Beverly Hills 90210; Jacksons: An American Dream; The Nutty Professor; Panther; Jason’s Lyric and others. Andes has recently composed and produced music for commercials for companies Walmart, Coca Cola, Teradata, Essence and many others and as a Composer for the film Across the Tracks.

Keith Andes new single "My Life" is available on all streaming platforms.

TERRANCE: Introduce us to how you got your start in the music business.

KEITH ANDES: I'm from New York City. Born and raised in New York. I came up doing sessions as a session player in New York City. Nowadays, the young people don't realize back in those days, we didn't have Pro Tools and all of this stuff. We had live musicians, so all those records that they grew up listening to were live players and that's what I did coming up. I was a piano player. I grew up in the Church playing the piano in New York at the Antioch Baptist Church of Corona. So I would go to sessions at 16 and 17 years old for different records. The first big record that I played on was Tom Browne's "Funkin' for Jamaica". I played piano on that. That was my first record that I played on that got notoriety. Then I just got phone calls after phone calls. That's how it started.

TERRANCE: Who were your musical influences growing up?

KEITH ANDES: Oh man. Let's go way back. My first musical influence was The Beatles. I used to love the song "Rain" with Paul McCartney and John Lennon. Then I became a Holland-Dozier-Holland fan and Elton John & Taupin fan and Gamble & Huff fan. I'm an R&B guy so I love all of those songwriters and great records. And what got me into production was when I heard Earth, Wind & Fire for the first time. I was inspired by Maurice White and Charles Stepney. I really didn't know what a producer was at that time. You're talking about a kid that was 14 years old in junior high school. And I would say, Producer? I don't know what that is but I want to do that. It was those records that made me start paying attention to production. Of course everybody grew up with Jackson 5. I was a Jackson 5 fanatic. So those were my heroes coming up.

TERRANCE: Talk about the inspiration behind your new single "My Life".

KEITH ANDES: Well, it's funny looking at as you get older and you look at everything with social media. Everybody's a critic about what you should be doing. You're too young to do this, you're too old to do that and you're too this to do this. I was just like, this is my life and I can do what I want, when I feel like doing it. If you don't like it, that's fine, you don't have to agree with me, but respect my life. This is what I want to do. You do you and I'll go do me and that's really what the emphasis of the song came from. I think it's a song that everyone can relate to. That's how it came about.

TERRANCE: What has been a career highlight thus far that has stood out?

KEITH ANDES: There's been a few. One of them was when I got the opportunity to work with After 7 for the first time. I did the song "Gonna Love You Right" for the Sugar Hill Soundtrack. Wesley Snipes was in that movie. I did that song and it went to number one. Then Kevon Edmonds calls me and says, hey man, my brother Kenny "Babyface" wants to meet you and that's when I started working with Babyface. We worked together for Toni Braxton, Jon B., En Vogue. We just went through a run of songs. Waiting to Exhale Soundtrack is another where I did all of those songs with Babyface. Then I wrote songs for Lionel Richie. That was really the beginning when I was doing a lot, a lot of work. I was writing and producing songs while I was living in Los Angeles for over 25 years.

TERRANCE: You mentioned En Vogue. I know this year marks the 25th anniversary of their hit song "Whatever". Talk about the process behind writing that song.

KEITH ANDES: There was this guy named Giuliano Franco who had this beat for the track. I was in another studio working on Toni Braxton and he came in the room and he says, Kenny wants you to hear this beat. So I went in and listened to the beat and I said, I like the beat, and then I came up with the hook. I told Giuliano that we needed a bridge and so I sat at the keyboard and wrote the bridge and then Kenny came in and did the lyrics to the verses. That's how that song came about and when that song came out, it went to number one right away.

TERRANCE: If you could describe your life in five songs you've written, what would they be?

KEITH ANDES: "How Could You Leave" by After 7. I went through a divorce and I'll say that all divorces aren't bad. The wife called back and said, baby I messed up. So I wrote that song with Ricky Jones for After 7 on their album. "Last Night" by Az Yet was written about a night with the ex-wife in Miami. That's a personal one. From my catalog, I would say the song "Magic". I was walking down the street looking at this girl and she was gorgeous. Her hips were swaying back and forth. I was like, that girl is Magic. "All I Want Is You" is a song that came about listening to a friend that lost his wife because he really wasn't paying attention to her the way he should've been paying attention and it made me reflect on me and all I wanted was her, but I didn't do the right thing to keep her. "No Need to Complain" is a song I wrote when I was in a very dark place in my life. The melody woke me up in the middle of the night. I sat at the piano and that song just poured out to me. That song came from a very personal place.

TERRANCE: One of my favorites you've written was "How Do I Say I'm Sorry" by Tami Davis.

KEITH ANDES: Yeah, I wrote that one with Deborah Cox. That's a special song. Tami Davis. That girl can sing.

TERRANCE: Was that song originally for Deborah?

KEITH ANDES: It was originally for Deborah and she did the demo. Then Tami calls me and says, I need some songs. I didn't pitch it to her, she overheard it and she went, I gotta have this song. I said, let me check with Deborah. I called Deborah and she said, okay go ahead because I don't know when I will be doing my record no way. Deborah's original background vocals from the demo is on Tami's song. So that's how Tami got the record.

TERRANCE: You've written and produced for many artists over the years, so are there any in particular that you would like to work with that you haven't already?

KEITH ANDES: I would love to work with Bruno Mars. I love Bruno Mars and I'm a fan. He's really gifted and he can sing his face off. He's a person I would love to be in the studio with and work with.

TERRANCE: Any knowledge or advice you could share with those who aspire to do what you do?

KEITH ANDES: Be yourself. In the business that everybody says, this is the new hot thing. But the new hot thing isn't who you are. You're just being somebody else. You're being a carbon copy. What we need is for people to be original and do what it is that you do, so everything on the radio doesn't sound alike. I'm thankful that I grew up in the times when we were making music, if we made a song that sounded something like somebody else's, we would be like, no we can't do that, they're already doing it. It wasn't cool then to sound like somebody else. We didn't want to do that. So I would say, be who you are. Be original. Be unique. And you will find your audience. The other thing that I would say especially to young people is to stop worrying about being famous. Let the music speak. Don't worry about the fame. 

TERRANCE: What can we expect in the near future as far as music and production?

KEITH ANDES: I just produced a new song out right now by Crutchfield Jones called "Crazy Ass". That's all over the radio. I produced it with Ricky Jones and co-wrote it with Ricky, Shireen Crutchfield & Michael Crudder. I have more music coming with Ricky Jones and I have more music coming for myself. I worked with the late great James Ingram who was a personal friend like a big brother to me. I have a song that I wrote with James & Ricky Jones called “How Much I Love You” that will be coming out soon. I'm also producing a couple of new and young acts, so just constantly making new music.

Follow Keith Andes:

www.keithandes.me

Twitter @keithandes 

Instagram @keithandesproducer

Shanice's "Every Woman Dreams" Album Is Available on Streaming Platforms for the First Time

 

In celebration of Women History Month, Grammy nominated Singer-songwriter Shanice partners with Hitskope Music Group to release her fifth and most recent album Every Woman Dreams to streaming platforms for the first time.

Originally released in 2006 via her imprint label Imajah Records, 8 of the 16 tracks are available now and the remaining 8 arrives June 3rd.

On March 17th, the Songstress will be performing at the Showcase at Wisdome in Austin, TX part of SXSW Fest.

New Album: Lucky Daye - "Candy Drip" + Announces Tour

 

Grammy nominated R&B Singer-songwriter Lucky Daye has released his sophomore album Candy Drip to all music platforms.

The 17-track album features guest appearances from Lil Durk, Smino & Chiiiild and includes the singles "Over", "Candy Drip" and "NWA".

The crooner will also embark on the 26-city Candy Drip Tour with Special Guest Joyce Wrice.

New Music: Lyfe Jennings Reimagines "Money (That's What I Want)"

R&B/Soul Singer, songwriter and record producer Lyfe Jennings shares his new single entitled "Money (That's What I Want)" to all streaming platforms.

"Money (That's What I Want)" was originally recorded by Barrett Strong and written by Berry Gordy & Janie Bradford for the Tamla Records label in 1959.

Uptown Records Reissues Albums from Jodeci, Guy, Christopher Williams and Heavy D & the Boyz

 

Celebrating one of the most storied labels in Hip Hop and R&B, UMe reissues a suite of five classics from Uptown Records. The Expanded Editions digital rollout includes Rarities, Radio Edits, Remixes, Extended Versions, Bonus Tracks and much more from Jodeci's Forever My Lady, Guy's The Future, Christopher Williams' Changes, Jodeci's Diary of a Mad Band & Heavy D & the Boyz's Big Tyme.

All five albums are available on all digital music platforms.

Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan & Xscape to Headline the "Strength of a Woman" Festival & Summit

 

The Legendary Mary J. Blige and Pepsi are teaming with Live Nation to bring audiences the upcoming concert musical festival Strength of a Woman Festival & Summit.

A three-day event curated for and by women will be centered around music, comedy and community building. Strength of a Woman Festival & Summit, will take place in Atlanta, GA during Mother's Day weekend from May 6 through May 8.

Blige will be bringing along some musical sisters and friends in the industry such as Chaka Khan, Xscape, Ella Mai, City Girls, Queen Naija, Kierra Sheard, Le'Andria Johnson, Sevyn Streeter & many more.

Pre-sale tickets will be available starting Tuesday, March 8th at 10 AM Est.

New Album: Frankie J - "Back 2 Us"

 

Grammy nominated Singer-songwriter Frankie J shares his new album Back 2 Us to all music platforms via the Soulsick Musik imprint label.

The 12-track album includes the singles "With You" ft. Raz B & Paul Wall, "My Love Is On the Way" ft. Baby Bash and "Pretty Brown Eyes" ft. Mellow Man Ace.

New Music: Russell Taylor - "Cherry"

 

Philadelphia native singer, songwriter and producer Russell Taylor shares his sensual new single "Cherry" to all streaming platforms.

Produced by Russell Taylor and B. Fischer and co-written by Will Boston, the provocative song serves as the lead single from Taylor's forthcoming album via the IndigoBlue label imprint.

"We have all had that special kind of 'love' that is no good for us; but we keep going back because it feels so damn good. Team-make it sweet, and make it hurt! 'Cherry' is for us. It's our anthem!" -Russell Taylor

KEM Scores 14th Top 10 Billboard R&B Radio Hit "Stuck On You"

This week three-time Grammy nominated recording artist KEM scores his 14th overall Top 10 Billboard Adult R&B radio hit "Stuck On You" at No. 9 after spending four weeks on the chart.

Written by KEM and Co-Produced with Derek 'DOA' Allen, the romantic love song serves as the lead single to KEM's upcoming EP Full Circle.

New Video: JoiStaRR - "Love Story"

 

Singer-songwriter JoiStaRR shares the official James Earl-directed visual to her new single entitled "Love Story" to all music platforms via MyBlock Inc. in partnership with SRG-ILS Group label imprint.

"Love Story" was written by Joi "JoiStaRR" Campbell, Kenny Bereal, Charlie Bereal and Produced by Warryn Campbell & Co-Produced by Kenny & Charlie Bereal.

"'Love Story' is a song about love and loyalty, coupled with a ride-or-die mentality. The inspiration comes from movies like Queen & Slim that display a lifetime of love normally only seen in movies." -JoiStaRR

Eric Roberson Unveils Artwork, Tracklist & Release Date for New Album "Lessons"

 

Grammy nominated R&B/Soul Singer-songwriter Eric Roberson took to social media to share the official artwork, tracklist and release date for his upcoming 17th overall album Lessons.

The 10-track album arrives April 1st via his imprint label Blue Erro Soul and includes guest appearances by Mumu Fresh, Cory Henry and Anthony Hamilton, Raheem DeVaughn & Kevin Ross whose featured on the powerful and touching "Lessons" (Remix).

LESSONS TRACKLIST

1 Start All Over Again

2 High On You

3 Good Loving ft. Pop 

4 Don't Run From It Baby 

5 Letting My Guard Down ft. Mumu Fresh

6 Tried to Be Your Friend

7 Lessons

8 Everything

9 Seen ft. Cory Henry

10 Lessons (Remix) ft. Anthony Hamilton, Raheem DeVaughn & Kevin Ross

Lessons follows after Roberson's 2020 album Hear from Here and is available for Pre-order HERE

Corinne Bailey Rae Announces North American Summer Tour "Sunlight/Sunlight!"

Two-time Grammy Award-winning Singer, songwriter and musician Corinne Bailey Rae took to social media to announce her upcoming North American Summer tour, Sunlight/Sunlight! with special guests Melanie Charles, Jensen McRae & Adria Kane.

The 18-City tour kickoff June 17th in York, PA and make stops in major cities such as Boston (MA), New York (NY), Washington (DC), Chicago (IL), Grand Rapids (MI), Los Angeles (CA), Las Vegas (NV) and come to a close on July 19th in Denver, CO.

Pre-sale tickets begin Wednesday, March 2nd and general public tickets start Friday, March 4th. See HERE for more details.