New Album: Lalah Hathaway - "VANTABLACK" | Announces The VANTABLACK Tour

Five-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, producer and activist Lalah Hathaway has released her eighth studio album VANTABLACK on all music platforms via Hathaway Entertainment/SRG-ILS Group (Virgin Music Group).

The 16-track album includes the singles “Mood for You”, “I Am” and “So in Love” and features an all-star line-up of guest appearances from Common, MC Lyte, Michael McDonald, Rapsody, WILLOW, Phonte and Gerald Albright.

"VANTABLACK was always the name of the project. I started reframing how I saw color, in terms of being the blackest I've ever been and even though I'm steeped in who I am, it doesn't exclude the other things that make up the sum of me. Similar to how all the music around me informs the black music that I create. So, it's all a melting pot of all of me." -Lalah Hathaway.

Lalah Hathaway has announced the VANTABLACK Tour coming to a city near you.

For additional information visit www.LalahHathaway.com.

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New Music: Will Preston Releases Summer Anthem "I'll Give It Right Back" Single & Visual

Will Preston, the maestro of emotive R&B, is bringing the heat with his latest R&B single, "I'll Give It Right Back," just in time for summer. Following the heart-wrenching ballad "Of Course I Lied," Will is switching gears and delivering an upbeat groove that is sure to get listeners moving with this infectious new single.

"I'll Give It Right Back" is the electrifying second sneak peek from Will's upcoming project, slated for release later this year. Departing from the melancholic tones of its predecessor, this track radiates warmth and nostalgia, inviting listeners to groove along to its irresistible beat as Will takes them on a vocal excursion. 

Lyrically, the song captures Will reminiscing on past love, painting a picture of nostalgic moments and joyful experiences. He welcomes the listener to join him on a journey down memory lane. It's a stark contrast to the raw vulnerability of "Of Course I Lied," offering a glimpse into a brighter chapter of love’s romantic narrative. 

Describing the single, Will sums it up as "The Weekend meets T- Pain, meets Will Preston." This unique blend of influences results in an engaging, feel-good anthem that exudes energy, making it the perfect soundtrack for summer vibes. It’s sure to get pulses racing and bodies moving. 

"I'll Give It Right Back" serves as a testament to Will's prowess as both an artist and a storyteller. Whether he's tugging at heartstrings with soulful ballads or igniting dance floors with upbeat grooves, Will continues to captivate audiences with his undeniable talent and charisma. 

As temperatures soar and summer vibes take over, "I'll Give It Right Back" promises to be a must-have addition to your playlist. Get ready to immerse yourself in the contagious energy of Will Preston's latest masterpiece.

Visit Will Online: 

IG: @thewillpreston TikTok: @yepthewillpreston X (Twitter): @thewillpreston YouTube: @willpreston8913 Facebook: willprestonmusic Website: www.willpreston.com 

Monifah Interview: New Single “Testify”, Upcoming Project, Acting & More

Renowned R&B singer, songwriter and television personality Monifah emerged as a prominent voice in the 1990's music scene with Billboard charting albums Moods... Moments, Mo'hogany and Home and songs such as the iconic top 10 hit single "Touch It", "You", "I Miss You (Come Back Home)" and "I Can Tell". Then in 2012, Monifah stepped in the world of television as one of the original cast members of the TV One hit reality docu-series R&B Divas Atlanta for three seasons where the award-winning singers offered an inside look at how they balance their music career and personal lives as they work towards getting their lives and careers back on track. For 2015, Monifah was honored with the 2015 Vanguard Award from the OUTMusic Awards for her 2014 independently released song "The Other Side". In the spring of that same year, Monifah & wife Terez were the recipients of the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Reality Program for their historical wedding episode on R&B Divas, being the first African American same-sex couple to have their nuptials televised on a national platform. Later that fall she independently released a powerful single entitled "One Moment" which was a mid-tempo ballad which sparked an anthem that spoke to the importance of placing "yourself" first. This year, Monifah released her electrifying latest single "Testify" off her forthcoming new project Grace at Midnight.

TERRANCE: First, congratulations on the release of your new single “Testify”.

MONIFAH: Thank you.

TERRANCE: Tell us about the concept behind it and what inspired it.

MONIFAH: It wasn’t as deep as it sounds *laughs*. Anthony Giles produced the track and we co-wrote. I heard the track and he gave me like a little mark for what he kinda came up with for the melody and in fifteen minutes we had “Testify”, quite honestly. That’s what came out and what I just felt with that music. It really is a testament to where I am in my life’s journey. Also, the timing of it couldn’t be better quite honestly because this is the year of truth.

TERRANCE: You also have a new project on the way called Grace At Midnight. What can we expect from this project?

MONIFAH: You can expect the unexpected. I’m in that space in my career and the way artists are now able to directly connect with their audience. And I don’t really feel like I need to be pigeonholed. I just want to do music that shows every side of me and all the types of music I like. So, there’s a lot of different sounds in this project. “Testify” is a dance record and will have different mixes. We will have an R&B mix as well. But yeah, I’m not pigeonholed. Even with “Touch It”, it really crossed over, it was a huge record and wasn’t the traditional R&B record and it did a lot for my career. Probably, if we were prepared a little more to kind of ride that wave, I think it would have been different. As an R&B artist, it kind of took everybody by surprise, so to speak.

TERRANCE: You’ve done reality TV in the past with R&B Divas Atlanta and with that being said, if the opportunity presented itself again for reality TV, would you be opened to it?

MONIFAH: I would absolutely do reality TV again. For sure. Yeah, I would. I’m focusing on acting too, so next time I’m on TV, that’s what you’ll see me in, in that capacity. I’ve done some guest spots on a few shows. So, yeah, I’m looking forward to really concentrating on that and behind the cameras; producing and directing.

TERRANCE: What would be your dream role?

MONIFAH: Psychological thriller playing a cop. I think I’m gonna write it. That would be dope.

TERRANCE: What are your personal favorite songs from your three studio albums, starting with Moods… Moments (1996)?

MONIFAH: “Lay with You” is one of my favorite tracks as well as “You’ve Got My Heart”, “Would You” and “It’s Alright”. “It’s Alright” has a sentimental value. That was the record that got Heavy D. wanting to do an album on me. I was doing the reference vocal on that for a young boy they had signed to Uptown Records and that song was for him and once I finished referencing it, Heav was like, you can keep it. We’re gonna start your album tomorrow. Don’t be late.

TERRANCE: Mo’hogany (1998)?

MONIFAH: One is “Suga Suga” and the other is “Have You Ever Been Loved”.

TERRANCE: Home (2000)?

MONIFAH: “Free Again” is one and “Nana” which is a duet with Chico DeBarge.

TERRANCE: I personally love your cover of “Jesus Is Love” from the Moods… Moments album.

MONIFAH: Thank you. That was another Heav idea and one of the best ideas ever. I think it was a great cover and choice. I was able to do it with the fantastic Boys Choir of Harlem and as a girl from Harlem, that was dope. I enjoyed that very much.

TERRANCE: What’s a day in the life of Monifah away from the cameras?

MONIFAH: Real regular. I’m a dog mom. I care for my 84 year old feisty mom and my mother-in-law lives with me. I’m very domestic. I’m also a crocheter. I love to cook. I love juicing. For the most part, I’m a homebody if I’m not out being social. I love people, but my social clock can run out very quickly, so I’m usually home. I love movies and watching really good programming and stories. I read a lot. I love tarot cards. I’m teaching myself the tarot. So, yeah, I’m keeping myself pretty busy. *laughs*

TERRANCE: Are there any tours or special events you can tell us about?

MONIFAH: Well, I’m thankfully gigging. I’m looking forward to jumping on a tour, but I am definitely working. I have a few dates across the country coming up in New York, Palm Springs, like spot dates, so I’m working. I’m probably going to be working a lot overseas. I’m really excited about that. 

TERRANCE: If you could go back and tell your younger self three things, getting started in this business, what would they be?

MONIFAH: You are enough, slow it down and focus.

TERRANCE: Any final words you would like to share with longtime fans as well as new ones?

MONIFAH: I’d like to say thank you so much to the Monifanz that have stayed with me since the beginning and supported and helped make it happen, because I didn’t get here alone. I appreciate the support. And to my new citizens of the Monifanz, I love you and enjoy the ride because we got a lot of grounds to cover and it’s going to be really, really exciting. And thank you!

Follow Monifah on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook @themonifah and YouTube @themonifahnation

New Music: Lalah Hathaway (featuring MC Lyte) - “Mood for You”

Five-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, producer and activist Lalah Hathaway join forces with the legendary MC Lyte on “Mood for You” available on all digital and streaming platforms.

Written by Hathaway, Lyte, Juan Winans, Warryn Campbell and Eric Dawkins, “Mood for You” serves as the third single following “I Am” and “So In Love” from Lalah’s upcoming eighth studio album VANTABLACK arriving globally on June 14th.

New Music: Keke Wyatt - "Certified" (from Upcoming Album "Certified")

R&B/Soul singer-songwriter Keke Wyatt has released her new single "Certified" to all streaming and digital music platforms.

Written by Keke Wyatt, Alphonso Crawford, Rafael "Felly the Voice" Ishman and Blac Elvis (also producer), "Certified" serves as the second single following "Water into Wine" from Wyatt's upcoming fifth studio album Certified which drops June 28th via Shanachie Entertainment.

Certified is available for Pre-order HERE

New Music: Muni Long - "Make Me Forget" (Co-written by Raphael Saadiq)

Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Muni Long shares her new single “Make Me Forget” to all streaming and digital music platforms.

Written by Muni Long, Raphael Saadiq, Michael Archer, Jariuce Banks, Christian Mombru and Christopher A. Stewart (also producer), the sultry and soulful track follows Long's Billboard Hot 100 Top 20 hit single “Made for Me” and the Mariah Carey-assisted remix.

New Music: Marques Houston Releases Single & Visual for "Last Drop"

Veteran R&B singer, songwriter and actor Marques Houston has released his new single and accompanying Chris Stokes-directed music video visual "Last Drop" to all music platforms.

The track which samples Tevin Campbell's classic "Can We Talk" serves as the lead single from Marques Houston's upcoming eighth solo studio album via Phoenix Music Group.

RIAA: Meli’sa Morgan’s “Do Me Baby” Album Is Certified Gold

Legendary R&B/Soul singer-songwriter Meli’sa Morgan earned a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for her debut album Do Me Baby.

Released in 1986, the album reached No. 41 on Billboard’s Hot 200 Albums chart and No. 4 on the R&B Albums chart.

The album was produced by Meli’sa Morgan, Lesette Wilson, Paul Laurence and Bryan Loren and includes her No. 1 R&B hit “Do Me Baby” (Prince cover) as well as the Top 5 R&B hit “Do You Still Love Me?” & “Fool’s Paradise”.

New Music: Lalah Hathaway - "I Am" (from Upcoming Album "VANTABLACK")

Five-time Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter, producer and activist Lalah Hathaway has released her new single "I Am" to all streaming and digital music platforms.

"I Am" serves as the second single following "So In Love" from Hathaway's anticipated eighth studio album VANTABLACK which will be globally released on June 14th, 2024.

About the song, Hathaway shares:

"I Am, I think people will be delighted to hear me with some tempo! I’m always trying to figure out how to apply these lush tones over dance music! How can i be featured on the subwoofer in your G Wagon? This is a 4 on the floor full of positive affirmation…I think i may have cracked the code!."

"VANTABLACK was always the name of the project. The word itself has so much weight on it, I was really unsure of how to approach the idea of writing the song. At the time, what I thought were conflicting perspectives, actually began to shape the concept of not only this album but also how I saw myself. I started reframing how I saw color, in terms of being the blackest I've ever been and even though I'm steeped in who I am, it doesn't exclude the other things that make up the sum of me. Similar to how all the music around me informs the black music that I create. So it's all a melting pot and this song truly exemplifies that." -Lalah Hathaway

VANTABLACK is available for Pre-order HERE

Muni Long, Mariah Carey Join Forces for "Made for Me (Remix)"

Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Muni Long and the Legendary Mariah Carey join forces for the "Made for Me (Remix)".

Produced by Jermaine Dupri, Bryan Michael Cox and JordanXL, "Made for Me" is currently in the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100's chart, No. 1 for 7 weeks on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay Chart and a Top 10 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

New Music: Koffee Brown Returns with "Make It Last Forever" (Keith Sweat Cover)

Billboard charting R&B duo Koffee Brown which currently consists of original member Vernell "Vee" Sales and new member Ryan Lane returns to music with a cover of Keith Sweat and Jacci McGhee's classic hit "Make It Last Forever".

Produced by Kay Gee of Naughty by Nature (who originally signed the duo to his Divine Mill label), their updated version is to wet fans both old and new tastebuds while they record new music.

RnBJunkieOfficial recently caught up with the duo for an exclusive interview to discuss their return to music, success and impact of "After Party" & much more. See HERE

Carl Thomas, Syleena Johnson & Dave Hollister to Form R&B Supergroup THE CHI

Grammy nominated R&B singer, author and TV Personality Syleena Johnson took to social media to announce the formation of R&B Supergroup trio THE CHI which consists of herself, Carl Thomas and Dave Hollister who all hail from Chicago and surrounding areas of Illinois.

She says:

Welp, the cat is out the bag in a good way I am officially apart of an R&B trio that is SURE to shake the table in R&B music It’s an honor to be able to share the stage with these two vocal Giants So THIS is our next Chapter and we couldn’t be more ready It’s official, My brothers @carlthomasnow and @davehollister and myself are the new R&B super group “THE CHI” #r&bmusic #sanging

As Syleena Johnson gear up to release her upcoming album entitled Legacy, her new single "Black Balloon" featuring her father Syl Johnson is available on all streaming platforms.

Carl Thomas is currently on The R&B Money Tour with Tank & Keri Hilson.

Dave Hollister, Syleena Johnson and Carl Thomas are all set to perform at this year's Black Music Honors which airs on the Stellar Network on Saturday, June 1 at 8 p.m. ET and in national broadcast syndication from June 9 through June 30 as part of Black Music Month. The ceremony will also air on June 19 at 9 p.m. ET on Bounce TV.

New Video: Tanya Nolan Releases Sizzling Visuals for "Like Water"

R&B sensation Tanya Nolan delivers her sultry new single "Like Water" and the sizzling official music video on all digital music platforms.

In a statement Tanya Nolan says:

“Like Water” is not just a song; it’s an experience. We wanted to create something that would transport listeners to another place and time, and I think we’ve accomplished that with this track. It’s sexy, it’s sophisticated, and it’s sure to leave a lasting impression.”

"Like Water" was written by Nolan and Raheem DeVaughn and produced by The Colleagues and follows previous single "Honey".

Raheem DeVaughn Scores Top 10 Billboard Adult R&B Radio Hit "Let's Fall In Love"

Four-time Grammy nominated singer, songwriter and producer Raheem DeVaughn scores a top 10 Billboard Adult R&B radio hit for his song "Let's Fall In Love" at No. 10 after 16 weeks on this chart.

"Let's Fall In Love" appears on DeVaughn's latest project Fall In Love available on all streaming and digital music platforms.

"Let's Fall In Love" is DeVaughn's seventh overall top 10 entry on this chart.

New Video: Lalah Hathaway Releases Visuals for "So In Love"

Five-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, producer and activist Lalah Hathaway shares the official music video visuals to her new single “So In Love” available on all to all digital music platforms.

“So In Love” serves as the official first single from Lalah’s anticipated eighth studio album VANTABLACK which drops June 14th via Hathaway Entertainment/SRG-ILS Group (Virgin Music Group) label imprint.

In a statement about the track, Lalah shares:

"So In Love’ was written by Philip Beaudreau and I a couple years ago with the intention to pitch it, but we loved it so much and decided to sit with it for a while. I’ve recently added it to my show and it’s one of the most beloved pieces that we perform. ‘So In Love’ has such a vibe and like a lot of the work I do, it explores some of the more non traditional ideas about love, and self love. The video does this on a grand scale!".

“‘VANTABLACK’ was always the name of the project. The word itself has so much weight on it, I was really unsure of how to approach the idea of writing the song. At the time, what I thought were conflicting perspectives, actually began to shape the concept of not only this album but also how I saw myself. I started reframing how I saw color, in terms of being the blackest I've ever been and even though I'm steeped in who I am, it doesn't exclude the other things that make up the sum of me. Similar to how all the music around me informs the black music that I create. So it's all a melting pot and this song truly exemplifies that.” - Lalah Hathaway

Pre-order VANTABLACK HERE

New Music: Monifah - "Testify" (from Upcoming EP "Grace at Midnight")

R&B/Soul Singer-songwriter Monifah returns with empowering new single "Testify" on all digital music platforms.

Written and co-produced by Monifah and Grammy nominated artist Anthony Giles, "Testify" serves as the lead single from Monifah's highly anticipated EP Grace at Midnight which arrives early Summer 2024 via Quantize Recordings.

"I'm thrilled to share 'Testify' with the world. This song represents a new chapter for me, where I embrace different musical styles that resonate with my spirit. My new music project 'Grace at Midnight' is a testament to my growth as an artist and a celebration of life's diverse rhythms." -Monifah

Mixing R&B Soul, Rock, House, Gospel and Dance music, "Testify" is a mere prelude of what longtime fans and new ones can expect from Monifah's return.

Charlie Wilson Scores His 10th No. 1 Billboard Adult R&B Hit “Superman”

This week the legendary Charlie Wilson tops the Billboard Adult R&B Radio chart with his latest single “Superman”.

“Superman” is Wilson’s 10th solo No. 1 on this chart.

Here’s a list of Charlie Wilson's 10 solo No. 1's:

1 “You Are”, 13 Weeks

2 “There Goes My Baby”, 9 Weeks

3 “Charlie Last Name: Wilson”, 6 Weeks

4 “One I Got”, 5 Weeks

5 “My Love Is All I Have”, 5 Weeks

6 “Chills”, 3 Weeks

7 “No Stoppin Us” ft. Babyface, Johnny Gill & K-Ci Hailey, 3 Weeks 

8 “I’m Blessed”, 2 Weeks 

9 “Forever Valentine”, 2 Weeks 

10 “Superman”, 1 Week

New Music: K-Ci Hailey & Coko - “Crazy for Your Love” (Produced by E Will)

Legendary R&B powerhouse vocalists K-Ci Hailey (Jodeci, K-Ci & JoJo) and Coko (SWV) joins music producer Eric "E Will" Williams for stunning new collaboration “Crazy for Your Love”.

New Music: Brownstone - "Stand By Me" | Announces Summer & Fall 2024 Tour Dates

Grammy nominated 90's R&B group Brownstone which currently consists of founding member Nicci Gilbert, Arin Jackson and Alexis Jones has released their newly remastered single "Stand By Me".

Last year the power group released a cover of the timeless song "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and is available on all music platforms.

Brownstone has also announced Summer and Fall 2024 Tour Dates

Stay up to date on tickets and all thing Brownstone at www.brownstoneofficial.com

New Video: Vanessa Williams Releases the Visuals to "Legs (Keep Dancing)"

Legendary singer, actress and model Vanessa Williams shares the official music video visuals to her new single "Legs (Keep Dancing)" available on all digital music platforms via Williams record label Mellian Music in partnership with Mod Squad, LLC.

Co-written with Chantry Johnson, Kjersti Long and Kipper Jones (who also co-penned Williams earlier classics "The Right Stuff", "The Comfort Zone"), the upbeat track is Williams first new music release after 15 years.

"What a joy it is to be making new music behind the mic again with old friends. There's a certain comfort in creating new works in the studio while reminiscing about how so many years in this business have brought successes, excitement, and lasting memories. Always moving forward is what drives me. Every challenge is exciting. And more new music to share with my fans is the fuel that lights my fire." -Vanessa Williams

"Legs (Keep Dancing)" is set to appear on Williams upcoming ninth studio album later this year.

"This is an album that surrounds Vanessa's vocal gifts and performances with stellar acoustic and electronic performances by real musicians, real writers, real producers, a real music album. This album is for all genres. It will touch on all of Vanessa's experiences in the Pop, R&B, Latin, Jazz, and Dance genres. Vanessa is re-introducing herself by her design; we're all committed and excited to be a part of it." -Tony Prendatt, Mod Squad CEO

"You can call it a comeback, a full circle moment, or just plain serendipity. But I call it a blessing to be creating more history with the iconic force of nature that is Vanessa Williams. If past is indeed prologue, we’re about to give ‘em hell again!" -Kipper Jones

New Music: Lalah Hathaway - “So In Love” (from Upcoming Album “VANTABLACK”)

Five-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, producer and activist Lalah Hathaway delivers her new single “So In Love” to all streaming and digital music platforms.

“So In Love” serves as the official first single from Lalah’s anticipated eighth studio album VANTABLACK which drops June 14th via Hathaway Entertainment/SRG-ILS Group (Virgin Music Group) label imprint.

In a statement about the track, Lalah shares:

"So In Love’ was written by Philip Beaudreau and I a couple years ago with the intention to pitch it, but we loved it so much and decided to sit with it for a while. I’ve recently added it to my show and it’s one of the most beloved pieces that we perform. ‘So In Love’ has such a vibe and like a lot of the work I do, it explores some of the more non traditional ideas about love, and self love. The video does this on a grand scale!".

Speaking of the music video, the stunning visuals of the "So In Love" music video will be making its global premiere on BET Soul and BET.com on Thursday, May 9th.

As we prepare for the release of VANTABLACK, music lovers abroad will be taken on a magical ride of this new Lalah Hathaway era, as she will be treating them with a new music every other week leading up to the release of VANTABLACK.

“‘VANTABLACK’ was always the name of the project. The word itself has so much weight on it, I was really unsure of how to approach the idea of writing the song. At the time, what I thought were conflicting perspectives, actually began to shape the concept of not only this album but also how I saw myself. I started reframing how I saw color, in terms of being the blackest I've ever been and even though I'm steeped in who I am, it doesn't exclude the other things that make up the sum of me. Similar to how all the music around me informs the black music that I create. So it's all a melting pot and this song truly exemplifies that.” - Lalah Hathaway

Pre-order VANTABLACK HERE

New Music: Az Yet Tributes Atlantic Starr with "Send for Me"

Platinum-selling R&B group Az Yet which currently consists of founding member Kenny "Bass Man" Terry along with Dyshon Benson, Jibriel Patterson, Jay Naught and Drayton, tributes the legendary band Atlantic Starr with a cover of their 1981 classic "Send for Me".