R&B singer and songwriter Mila J recently released the 6th installment of her ongoing monthly series of EP's. 'June 2018' released at midnight and consists of 5 songs and a feature from Migh-X. Mila J's 'June 2018' is available here on all streaming platforms.
What better way to end the month of June than with June's Diary officially releasing new music?! Earlier this morning, June's Diary took to their Instagram to release a heartfelt message to their fans. In the message, they shared many of their ups and downs from the past two years, as well as shared their gratitude towards their fans, Kelly Rowland, Jussie Smollett, their manager Frank Gatson, and more.
In honor of Grammy-Award winning R&B singer Fantasia’s birthday today, @RnBJunkieOfficial have compiled her top 10 songs in our latest edition of Top 10 Best Songs. Spanning over her five studio releases, the list includes notable singles, standout album cuts and honorable mention songs.
10 I’M HIS ONLY WOMAN DUET WITH JENNIFER HUDSON
This soulful standout duet finds Hudson and Fantasia venting about their cheating man. Written by then newcomer Jazmine Sullivan, this song earned the pair a Grammy-nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group.
09 SUMMERTIME
Fantasia first performed her rendition of this Grammy-nominated song on American Idol which was met with critical acclaim and praise. She subsequently recorded it for her debut album and it has become one of her standard songs to perform.
08 EVEN ANGELS
A standout cut from Fantasia’s third album, Back to Me, which features production by The Stereotypes.
07 SLEEPING WITH THE ONE I LOVE
Written and produced by R. Kelly, this Grammy-nominated song was released as the second single from Fantasia’s fifth album, The Definition Of...
06 GOT ME WAITING
While this song was never chosen as a single, it’s one of the standout tracks from Fantasia’s debut album, which was produced by Jermaine Dupri and Bryan Michael-Cox and written by then rising R&B/Pop sensation Ciara.
05 WITHOUT ME FT. KELLY ROWLAND & MISSY ELLIOTT
This Grammy-nominated song was produced by Harmony Samuels and features special guests Missy Elliott and Kelly Rowland. Released as the second single from Fantasia’s fourth album, Side Effects of You.
04 FREE YOURSELF
This Missy Elliott produced and Grammy-nominated song was issued as the fourth overall single from Fantasia’s debut album of the same name and became a top 5 R&B hit.
03 TRUTH IS
The breakout song from Fantasia’s debut album, Free Yourself, this song became a top 40 single as well as a top 5 R&B hit.
02 BITTERSWEET
Fantasia earned her first and only Grammy win in 2011 for “Bittersweet”. The lead single from her third album, Back to Me.
01 WHEN I SEE U
Released as the second single from Fantasia’s self-titled sophomore album, this Grammy-nominated song became her first and so far only #1 single to appear on the R&B charts.
Featuring her hot single "Stare at Me," Joi is back with her fifth album SIR Rebekkah Holylove. The songstress and now actress is bringing the heat with 10 funky songs like"Berlin" and "Kush". The album sets a new wave and vibe for the summer. But her album isn't just the only thing catching her waves, you can also catch Ms. Joi with a cameo appearance on Season 2 of Netflix's Luke Cage. She will be featured as herself while performing her featured song for the show.
SIR Rebekkah Holylove is available on all digital platforms where music is purchased!
HEAR THE SINGLE "STARE AT ME" BELOW:
Earlier in the year I caught up with Joi for an Exclusive Interview to discuss her album, Rebekkah Holylove and more! SEE HERE!
Grammy-nominated R&B singer-songwriter Raheem DeVaughn unveils the new visual to his latest single, “Don’t Come Easy” which serves as the lead single to his forthcoming not-yet-titled sixth studio album.
On the video DeVaughn says:
“The inspiration behind the video was to a paint a picture of a man/woman’s desire to give unconditional love. The lyrics and the vibe of the song were also direct inspirations. We wanted a grown and sexy feel that can reach adult contemporary as well as millennials.”
As we’re approaching July and half way through the year, it’s a good time to reflect back on this year’s R&B music. 2018 so far has brought us the long awaited debut album from Bridget Kelly. The return of 90’s R&B groups Xscape, En Vogue and Portrait. Rising female artists Ella Mai, H.E.R. and Queen Naija have made huge impacts on the Billboard Hot 100’s chart.
Check out our list and tell us if you Agree/Disagree...
50) K. AVETT - FEELIN’ GOOD
49) KIMA OF TOTAL - LUV ME BACK
48) EN VOGUE - BLUE SKIES
47) BRIDGET KELLY - SEDATED
46) RAHEEM DEVAUGHN - DON’T COME EASY
45) PORTRAIT - IN THE MOMENT
44) MYA - READY, PT. II (90’S BEDROOM MIX)
43) RO JAMES FT. THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G. - LOST MY MIND
42) CHANTE MOORE FT. LEWIS SKY - ONE LOVE
41) NE-YO - APOLOGY
40) CHRISETTE MICHELE - STRONG BLACK WOMAN
39) LUKE JAMES - THESE ARMS
38) BLUFF CITY - LET ME SHOW YOU
37) MAXWELL - WE NEVER SAW IT COMING
36) BRIDGET KELLY - IN THE GREY
35) PEABO BRYSON - A LOVE LIKE YOURS & MINE
34) MAJOR. - BETTER WITH YOU IN IT
33) TAMIA - LEAVE IT SMOKIN’
32) MYA - YOU GOT ME
31) TONI BRAXTON - FOH
30) BOBBY V. FT. SNOOP DOGG - LIL BIT
29) PJ MORTON - FIRST BEGAN
28) JANELLE MONAE FT. ZOE KRAVITZ - SCREWED
27) MIGUEL - R.A.N.
26) LEON BRIDGES - BET AIN’T WORTH THE HAND
25) K. MICHELLE - NO NOT YOU
24) KEITH SWEAT FT. K-CI - HOW MANY WAYS
23) LEON BRIDGES - BEYOND
22) XSCAPE - MEMORY LANE
21) EN VOGUE - ROCKET
20) LEDISI - ALL THE WAY
19) ERIC BELLINGER - MAIN THANG
18) CALVIN RICHARDSON - CAN’T LET GO
17) TANK FT. TREY SONGZ & TY DOLLA $IGN - WHEN WE (REMIX)
16) NE-YO - GOOD MAN
15) ASHANTI FT. TY DOLLA $IGN - SAY LESS
14) JOHN LEGEND FT. BLOODPOP - A GOOD NIGHT
13) KHALID FT. H.E.R. - THIS WAY
12) KEHLANI - AGAIN
11) MIGUEL FT. J. COLE & SALAAM REMI - COME THROUGH & CHILL
On this day in 2003, Beyonce released her Billboard chart-topping and 5x Grammy Award-winning solo debut, Dangerously In Love via Sony Music.
Boasted by No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 singles: “Crazy In Love” and “Baby Boy” which features Jay-Z and Sean Paul respectively and top 5’s “Me, Myself & I” and “Naughty Girl”. The album was certified 4x Platinum in the US and 11x Platinum Worldwide.
Other guest support on the album includes Missy Elliott on the clever and astrological “Signs”, Big Boi & Sleepy Brown on the Bryce Wilson produced track “Hip Hop Star” and Luther Vandross on a reworking of Roberta Flack & Donnie Hathaway’s quiet storm masterpiece,
“The Closer I Get to You”.
A perfect blend of 70’s soul-funk, Middle Eastern, dancehall, futuristic, R&B slow jams and ballads makes this solo debut effort quite impressive and intriguing, even 15 years later.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TRACKS:
“The Closer I Get to You” featuring Luther Vandross
Grammy Award-winning R&B songstress Regina Belle and Glenn Jones have teamed up for their latest duet “Love By Design”. The romantic love ballad is written by multi-talented songwriter James Day and produced by Chris “Big Dog” Davis.
The lead single will be featured on Glenn Jones forthcoming project of the same name.
"Love By Design" marks the Legendary R&B pair second duet after 2001's "From Now On".
We were in Jazmynn's living room trying to figure out synonyms to describe us. We came across the name vivid. When someone said vivid, everybody looked at each other and was like, "Yaassss VIVID!" It just worked, it clicked, and the definition. I feel like we embodied the meaning of the name Vivid.
Being in a group you have to work as a team, what is one quality that each of you brings to the group?
Jaz: I think I bring silliness to the group. Sometimes when things are getting a little bit tense, I bring the fun to it.
Megan: They call me like the mom. They call me MLK to be smart (chuckles) because I'm always trying to think positive about things, and stuff like that.
V!VID: Collectively we all look up to the same people [laughs].
What would you say are your biggest motivations?
V!VID: Our biggest motivation is our family and friends.
Yeah, for sure.
My son is my motivation.
Philly is a city that has a hot and fresh music scene with artists such as Lil Uzi Vert, PnB Rock, Lee Mazin, M.T.B., and Devon to name a few. What does V!VID add to the Philly music scene?
V!VID - Sexy, rawness, real, sisterhood, and just like the energy that we bring to it. I feel like we definitely have a spot, we definitely have a mark in the Philly scene. Like, we have a lane just for us.
You all are very committed to your craft. How do you balance studio sessions, endurance training, rehearsing, and self-care?
V!VID: It's about finding a balance and knowing how to take the time really and know that this is something you want to do, you will find the time. It's your normal reality. Rather you are working 9 to 5, or have a lot going on in your personal life to make time for your craft. What we do is find our balance rather it is our family supporting us, keeping our faith with God, or knowing that this is something that we want to do. It kinds of balances it all out good for us.
I want to talk a little bit about your ‘V!VID MIXes’? You recently covered Lil Dicky and Chris Brown’s ‘Freaky Friday,’ and Tank’s ‘When We.’ what is your process like when you’re covering songs?
V!VID: Well, collectively it's usually about picking a song that we like all together. Like "Oh, this song is hot we need to cover this." Usually, everyone is at the same time, as far as with the songs that we like or are relevant right now. So, once we come together with that, it's just basically like a vibe out. It's like, "Oh my gosh, we all love these songs, so let's cover it."
Can you tell us about your new single ‘Every Week’?
V!VID: Yes, 'Every Week' is dropping soon. We have a video coming out. We're shooting this Saturday, June 23rd; so, if you want to come out and get your little cameo on, follow us on our V!VID page to know the time and location, so you all can show face.
What’s the most valuable thing you have learned so far in your career?
V!VID: The most valuable thing is patience. That's what I learned, and I think we've all learned patience, and to have faith.
What can we expect next from V!VID?
V!VID: Our music video is dropping for 'Every Week' our new single. Make sure you all follow us @ItsSoVivid on Instagram, again that's @ItsSoVivid on Instagram.
You all can also expect for us to inspire young women out there, especially the younger generation. In just sisterhood and showing a different light in women, that we all can come together. We don't have to be against each other and inspire other women out there. That's what you can expect next from V!VID.
How can our followers find you on social media?
V!VID: Well, they can follow us on Instagram at @ItsSoVivid, that's I-T-S-S-O-V-I-V-I-D. Also, on Facebook at Vivid Musiq. The Musiq is with a "q" instead of a "c." So, that's "Vivid Musiq" with a "q."
Rising R&B/soul artist Ella Mai is bringing the Boo’d Up Experience to a city near you!
Ella Mai has announced dates for her first headlining North American tour. The run begins August 6 in Dallas, TX before hitting Atlanta, New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and more.
Ella Mai’s breakout single, “Boo’d Up” has climbed to No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100’s Chart and No. 1 on the R&B Chart.
A few days ago made her TV debut performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live:
Meelah who is best known as the lead singer and one-third of the Platinum-selling 90's R&B group 702 that brought the music world top forty hits such as "Steelo", "Get It Together", their feature on Missy's "Beep Me 911" and breakout top five ladies anthem, "Where My Girls At?", returns with her latest singles "Desert Love" & "Now You're Mad" available on all digital music platforms. I caught up with Meelah to discuss her upcoming long-awaited debut solo album, motherhood, return of 702, Unsung, State of R&B and more...
TERRANCE: You released your latest single “Now You’re Mad”, so update us on that and other forthcoming projects. MEELAH: "Now You're Mad" is a song I recorded while I am in the studio working on my solo debut album. I released "Now You're Mad" and "Desert Love" over the course of two months really to just put something out there for the fans to hold everybody over because it's been taking me oh so long to record this album. I just kind of wanted to test the waters and show the fans that I appreciate them for waiting on little ol' me and also feedback as well. I thought, let's put two out there and kinda just see what catches what demographic and go from there. I'm definitely making sure that I do something for everybody. I'm trying my best to be versatile, so those two songs I feel are not anywhere near the same but yet still me. I’m really kind of a chameleon of sorts when it comes to everything I do, so I definitely wanted to make sure my music is given to people with a little versatility.
TERRANCE: Can you share any producers or guest features you’re working with on the album?
MEELAH: So far I’ve worked with a lot of up and coming producers. J-Trx is a producer who I met here in Atlanta and he’s the one that did, “Now You’re Mad” and “Desert Love”. Super dope producer and writer as well. I mean, he’s so talented and when it comes to versatility he definitely embodies that and that’s why he and I just clicked because he can do every genre. We meshed and just had such great chemistry in the studio. I’m working with Kennard Garrett who I worked with on my children’s album We Are Different. I’m really happy about that because he and I since 2012 created really cool songs and magic. I’m working with TC who has written for Brandy and he’s done a lot of Tamar’s stuff. He and I have been working for a few years now as well. He did “Stupid In Love” which I already have out on digital platforms, so we’re no strangers in the studio. We’re working on some new stuff and I just love his style and his vibe and we co-create really well, that’s like my little brother and I’m always excited to work with TC. Of course I’m working with Musiq Soulchild, not necessarily a duet but we will definitely have a song or two that he produce and we write together. We do have really cool chemistry sonically, so that’s always fun to look forward to. As far as features, none yet but I won’t say there won’t be any.
TERRANCE: How has motherhood changed your perspective as a woman?
MEELAH: I think being a mom opens you up to just finding that inner fighter in you and just that inner hustler in you. You just really realize and recognize how strong as a person you really are. For me, it’s made me want to go harder and tap into all of my gifts because I want to be able to show my son and lead by example that he can do anything. My son has special needs, he’s autistic and I want to be that person to show him that you can beat the odds no matter what diagnosis may be put on you. You can still be your best and do whatever God put you on this Earth to do. It changed me in that regard and as far as a woman, I want to challenge and surprise not only myself but him. Just push, push, push the envelope and be the best Meelah I can be. I’m not a spring chicken no more, T (laughs). Like okay, I’m really truly a woman now.
TERRANCE: One of the biggest surprises in music came last year with the return of 702 after 15 years. What prompted this reunion?
MEELAH: Well, I reached out to Irish and LeMisha back in 2016 because I just hadn’t spoken to them since my son was born in 2009 and that was very brief. I haven’t been around them or spent any time with them since our last album in 2003 outside of the untimely and unfortunate death of their sister Orish in 2008. Life is just way too short and I wanted to reach back out to them because 8 years had gone by since their sister passed and I just wanted to know how they were doing and what was going on with them. So I reached out to them and we weren’t really thinking about getting together for any business, we generally just wanted to reconnect, rebound, re-establish our sisterhood because at this point we were all mothers and grown women, so it’s funny how life works and how God’s timing is. I literally flew out to Vegas in 2016 just to meet them and they came to my hotel and we chopped it up and we had a good time and picked up where we left off. Then here we are a year later on the red carpet in November 2017 at the Soul Train Awards in Vegas. We did that and after that came the Unsung opportunity. I don’t know what’s going to happen or what else is going to transpire, but I do know we’ve at least started to perform together again. We’ve done three shows thus far in Atlanta, New York and D.C. and we will be in Louisiana for the Essence Festival and we’re just pushing through man. There’s a lot more dates on the calendar, so God is good and I’m grateful. We’re still healing and trying to figure it out day-to-day because it’s a process and after so much time passing by we’re learning each other all over again. We’re grown women now (laughs). That’s another layer of Meelah which I’m grateful for. I’m able to do my album and reconnect with 702 and work with my non-profit organization for Autism Awareness and so I’m just trying to keep myself busy.
TERRANCE: You mentioned Unsung. How did it feel to track your journey and to tell your story?
MEELAH: It’s bittersweet but still grateful, humbled, flattered and honored that a show such as that would even deem you worthy to tell your story especially when you’re an avid watcher and viewer and fan of the show. You learn so much about your idols and inspirations and it’s like, oh wow, you’re telling my story? You’re almost in disbelief, so I’m grateful for that but then it’s like you got to start from day one. It’s different when you’re a solo artist and have an Unsung and I’m not discrediting having to revisit the past but having to relive stuff and reopen and reignite some of those wounds and see things resurface and whatnot, that’s touchy and creates a little hesitancy, you know? I didn’t know I would be ready for Unsung two years ago when I was approached when I did R&B Divas on TVOne and fast-forward I went ahead and said, okay I’ll try it, let’s go for it. I’ve seen the edit that will be shown to you all and it’s like, wow this is what was captured over the span of three albums in 55 minutes or less and having to share it with two other women? It’s not easy because you feel like that’s not how it happened and that’s not what was done and that’s not what I said and that’s not what I meant. But I’m grateful to TVOne for giving us the platform and hopefully it will open up doors for bigger and better things and introduce us to a demographic and crowd that maybe we’re not even privy to or aware of who you are, so yeah looking at the glasses half full (laughs).
TERRANCE: Were there ever any initial reservations about doing Unsung knowing how social media might react or view you all?
MEELAH: Absolutely. I already know somebody going to have something to say about me, about Irish and about Misha. I mean, it’s social media and the world we live in. I felt my story wasn’t exactly the way I wanted it to, I still know somebody is going to have something to say. It is what it is and so you sign up for that when you agree to do those type of shows, so either take it or leave it. I’ve put myself out there and I’ve already done it. It is what it is and I can’t change it as much as I would like to go back and edit and cut and paste and it’s not even about editing, for me it’s about truth. I would like to go back and edit their edit (laughs) and let my truth be told, but I’m not in the control room so I don’t have no control over that. It is what it is and hopefully like I said, something bigger and better will transpire from this Unsung episode.
TERRANCE: What are your views on the current state of R&B vs. when you first came on the scene?
MEELAH: Well, of course it’s much different. We live in a more digital world, imagery world and social media world where people have more accessibility to just come on and say whatever they want on your timeline as if they know you or know your scenario, your life, like they truly are your family or friend. I don’t think it’s solely about just true talent now. You don’t have to sing your face off and do all of these vocal acrobatics. Now you can just look cute and have a body type and two bundles of 29-inch weave and you’ll be alright (laughs). If your numbers are high on social media, you put out a catchy record with some auto-tune on it, then you good to go, so it’s a little different for sure. We did have to work a little harder I think back then when we were recording. There was no cutting and pasting, no melodyne and no auto-tune. We had to sing the first hook, the second hook, the last hook, the bridge, we had to really re-sing these things. We didn’t have the technology there is now so it’s different but it’s okay that things have evolved. I’m definitely not one of those artist that’s a Bitter Betty, it is what it is, you evolve with the times and you go with it. It’s no different from how I’m sure our parents viewed our music and how my music sounded to my parents. I'm sure it was different from the process when they were coming up in the 70's, so it's all good.
TERRANCE: A while back, R&B songstress Lyrica Anderson & Wiz Khalifa sampled “Get It Together” in their song “Freakin”. What are your thoughts on this generation embracing the 90’s sound?
MEELAH: That’s always flattering and humbling and it feels really good. History repeats itself so it’s no different from when the Kanye’s and P. Diddy’s and all of these amazing people sampled music. We’ve all sampled at some point as artists, producers and musicians. I’m glad that these kids are realizing that it’s not just all about them and their sound and they’re doing their homework and I think that’s dope.
TERRANCE: If you could give advice to a 17-year-old Meelah getting started in the business, what would it be?
MEELAH: Speak your mind, don’t let anybody run over you and use your kindness as your weakness. Make sure you let people know that you do have a voice other than singing (laughs). Speak up and let people know you ain’t no punk.
TERRANCE: Anything else you would like to add?
MEELAH: Those were some really great questions, T. Thank you so much. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me.
