Archive » July 2008

Top 100 Soul/R&B Songs

#22: Mint Condition 'Breakin' My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)'

There were some great male R&B groups born in the late '80s and early '90s. Whether it was New Jack Swing, new-jack swagger, well-made love songs or incredible harmonies, they all brought something different to the table. And then there...

Harlem  |  07/31/2008 at 6:00 PM  |  Comments (10)  |  Permalink

Yes We Can!

SoulBounce.com is Campaigning for the 2008 Black Weblog Awards!

Did you know preliminary noms for the 2008 Black Weblog Awards begin this week? Oh yeah! They sure do! SoulBounce.com is eligible for some nominations because (1) it's a weblog and (2) we're Black. Check out our Staff Page for...

nOvaMatic  |  07/31/2008 at 4:00 PM  |  Comments (8)  |  Permalink

First Spin

Looks Like Janelle Has A Reason To 'Smile'

Despite the fear that being signed to Bad Boy Records would somehow turn Janelle Monae into a hip hop-soul pop tart (à la Cassie), she is back with some new material from her forthcoming Suite I: The Chase EP. The...

ill Mami  |  07/31/2008 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (7)  |  Permalink

First Spin

The Floacist Wants You To 'Work It, Baby'

With a Floetry reunion having about as much chance of happening as Hillary Clinton being elected the next President, it's safe to say that Marsha Ambrosius and Natalie Stewart have moved on. The Songstress has stayed busy by adding...

Butta  |  07/31/2008 at 11:40 AM  |  Comments (12)  |  Permalink

Relax in Paradise

Hiram Bullock (1955-2008)

Guitarist Hiram Bullock Dies at 52 [JT]Hiram Bullock [MySpace][Official][Wiki]...

Butta  |  07/31/2008 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Infatuation Situation

Any guesses about who the mystery rapper is on the cover of VIBE's 15th Anniversary Juice issue? [VIBE]Wyclef owes Jacob the Jeweler some serious coins. [HH]Christina Aguilera strikes a pose for Macy's 150th anniversary. [DL]Monica works the pole on...

Butta  |  07/31/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Comments (5)  |  Permalink

Top 100 Soul/R&B Songs

#23: Prince and the Revolution 'Purple Rain'

It goes without saying that "Purple Rain" by Prince and the Revolution is one of the most iconic songs, albums and movies of all time. If you weren't a Prince fan before 1984, then you surely became one that summer...

Butta  |  07/30/2008 at 6:00 PM  |  Comments (6)  |  Permalink

A Soulful Noise

Now We Know What A-Noise Jill Scott

Hypothetical question: Let's say you're an artist, performing to a full house, and while you were in the middle of a segue, the audience became restless and started milling about, talking on cell phones and to their neighbors to the...

Harlem  |  07/30/2008 at 3:00 PM  |  Comments (10)  |  Permalink

I Was There

Sketches of a Dwele Concert

Our visitor and friend IKandiDiva recently attended the Charlotte, NC stop of Dwele's "Sketches of a Man" tour and you know what? He was good, she says! I've heard some conflicting opinions regarding Dwele's mastery of the stage. I've seen...

nOvaMatic  |  07/30/2008 at 1:30 PM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

First Spin

GZA Disses 50 Cent and Still We Ask 'Who Cares?'

While this is not me in the picture above, it certainly expressed how I feel about GZA's latest track "Paper Plate," which is a dis record of sorts aimed towards that bastion of all that is indecent and improper about...

ill Mami  |  07/30/2008 at 12:25 PM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

First Spin

Slim's 'Something About Her' Needs Something More

With his first single "So Fly" doing so-so on the charts, another track from 112's former frontman, Slim, has popped up on our radar and there's really not much to say about it. Not much good, at least. "Something...

Butta  |  07/30/2008 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Burn Some Candles

Don't put Janelle Monae in a box. [AHHA]So what does Steve Harvey have to say about the future of Black radio? [BE]Diddy's new Burger King commercial was directed by Spike Lee. What a waste of talent. On Spike Lee's...

Butta  |  07/30/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Comments (5)  |  Permalink

Top 100 Soul/R&B Songs

#24: Mary J. Blige 'My Life'

A long time ago, before Mary J. Blige's My Life passed into becoming a classic--her defining moment, the R&B album by which we gauge all succeeding R&B albums, the album that we play on repeat to get over that trifling...

nOvaMatic  |  07/29/2008 at 6:00 PM  |  Comments (7)  |  Permalink

SoulBounce Sampler, Top 100 Soul/R&B Songs

Get The SoulBounce Top 100 Soul/R&B Songs On iTunes

We are now in the homestretch of the SoulBounce Top 100 Soul/R&B Songs countdown. Songs 50-26 showcased a range of songs and artists from the last 30 years that your SoulBounce Editors and our esteemed panel chose amongst our...

nOvaMatic  |  07/29/2008 at 5:00 PM  |  Permalink

First Spin

Raphael Saadiq's 'Oh Girl' Is Simply Beautiful

I have just played Raphael Saadiq's latest track "Oh Girl" about four times in a row. This song which is from his forthcoming album, The Way I See It, is the third track that has leaked, and it is in...

ill Mami  |  07/29/2008 at 2:35 PM  |  Comments (15)  |  Permalink

First Spin

CL Smooth Releases The Sexy & Leaves Us 'Dripped In Champagne'

Yes, you read that correctly. CL Smooth, the rapper we all loved when he and beatmaker Pete Rock brought us the smooth yet rugged side of hip hop in the early '90s, has a new track. Jacking LTD's "Love Song,"...

ill Mami  |  07/29/2008 at 2:00 PM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

Media Watch

You and I Drove D'Angelo to Drink

Did any of you read that D'Angelo piece in SPIN? If not, don't, because then you will feel guilty. You see, when D'Angelo did his naked "Untitled" video, people all of a sudden thought he was a sex symbol. Then,...

nOvaMatic  |  07/29/2008 at 1:15 PM  |  Comments (8)  |  Permalink

I Was There

Keith Sweat Brings the Freak Out in Concert

Last Saturday night I had the pleasure of seeing Keith Sweat for the first time in concert at Constitution Hall in Washington, DC alongside fellow SoulBouncer Vivrant Thang. Yes, I realize that it's 2008 and not 1988, but you...

Butta  |  07/29/2008 at 12:30 PM  |  Comments (5)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Swear Up and Down

Monica's reality show The Single hits airwaves next week...on Peachtree TV? Here's to hoping the episodes show up on YouTube with the quickness. [PTV]Whitney Houston is still slumming with Ray J. [CL]MC Lyte's blog, OkaySister.com, was the talk of...

Butta  |  07/29/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

Top 100 Soul/R&B Songs

#25: Guy 'Groove Me'

Somebody out there may disagree with the following statement, but I'm going to say it anyway: "Groove Me" changed the direction of music when it was released in 1988, a year heralded by many as the best year for music...

ill Mami  |  07/28/2008 at 6:00 PM  |  Comments (11)  |  Permalink

First Spin

Is Terrence Howard Capable of Making 'Beautiful' Music?

For all intents and purposes, the first time Terrence Howard made an impact on our consciousness was as the straight-forward, no-apologies troublemaker Quentin in 1999's The Best Man. In that role, he was also a bad mother (hush yo'...

Harlem  |  07/28/2008 at 3:30 PM  |  Comments (21)  |  Permalink

Free Music, Releases

9th Wonder & Murs Know The Key To Our Hearts Is Labeled 'Free'

What's better than a pay-your-own-price album download? You guessed it: one that's free! Granted, many of us have liberated music files on our computer's hard drives right now. And more and more artists know the truth about making money in...

ill Mami  |  07/28/2008 at 1:45 PM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

First Spin

What Scares Jazmine Sullivan More Than 'Lions, Tigers & Bears'?

Yet another track from Jazmine Sullivan's upcoming project has hit the net, and obviously, we can't get enough.  Her latest, "Lions, Tigers & Bears," seemingly belies the "Fearless" album title, with Jazzy breaking down to a perspective paramour that...

Harlem  |  07/28/2008 at 12:30 PM  |  Comments (12)  |  Permalink

First Spin

What Do You Get When You Mix an Icon with an Akon?

After Mariah validated T-Pain and Janet validated Plies, we now have Whitney Houston inserting herself back into the game with none other than Akon via "Like I Never Left." This is as creatively-insipid as it is commercially-strategic. Some would argue...

nOvaMatic  |  07/28/2008 at 11:30 AM  |  Comments (19)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Wrong But Right

I'm protesting the cover of LL Cool J's Exit 13 because it doesn't have a picture of him on it. [TRU]Lil' Kim and Foxy Brown are being sued by publishing houses for not delivering the books that they promised...

Butta  |  07/28/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

Top 100 Soul/R&B Songs

#26: New Edition 'Can You Stand The Rain'

Okay, okay, okay. So, what do you do when an '80s boy band with crossover appeal loses one of its members amidst rumors involving drug use, said member reemerges a few years later to become a bigger star than anyone...

ill Mami  |  07/25/2008 at 5:00 PM  |  Comments (8)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Jazmine Sullivan Gets All the Way Live

This video of Jazmine Sullivan singing during a meeting of some sort at Seventeen magazine's offices has been circulating around the 'net for a week. However, I just saw it for the first time last night, and I wanted to...

Butta  |  07/25/2008 at 3:00 PM  |  Comments (10)  |  Permalink

Bounce-Worthy

Bounce-Worthy: Erik Rico

What would you get if you took Stevie Wonder's velvety vocals, the electronic soul of DJ Spinna, and the musical talent of Prince, put them all in shaker and served it on the rocks? That tasty concoction might just...

Butta  |  07/25/2008 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

New Videos From Skillz, Ave.To & Chaz

This week's batch of new videos is an eclectic collection of clips with something for every musical taste. For the hip-hop heads, comes Skillz and his partner in rhyme Freeway with a video that doesn't break any new ground but...

Butta  |  07/25/2008 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

First Spin

Amanda Diva's Cruising On 'Night Flights'

There used to be a time when females in the hip hop game were running thangs. Running thangs to the point that their male counterparts' matters weren't important in the least. These females completely held their own. While it's nice...

ill Mami  |  07/25/2008 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Shabba!

Early reviews are saying that John Legend's Evolver is "definitely not going to be your average R&B album." [TRU]Tony Rich is now part of the Hidden Beach family of artists. [HBR]Scott Storch is among the thousands of Americans facing...

Butta  |  07/25/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

Top 100 Soul/R&B Songs

#27: Jill Scott 'A Long Walk'

Someone once asked me why I love Jill Scott. I didn't even have to think before answering. I love her for her distinct, luscious vocals and infinity-octave range that provide color commentary for her lyrical play-by-play. I love that...

Harlem  |  07/24/2008 at 5:00 PM  |  Comments (5)  |  Permalink

Crowd Participation

QUESTION: How Do You Define 'Grown Folks Music'?

While we cover many aspects of Black music here at SoulBounce, our chief focus has always been Grown Folks' Music. In explaining the site to someone, it occurred to me that I wasn't precisely sure what "Grown Folks' Music" meant,...

nOvaMatic  |  07/24/2008 at 2:00 PM  |  Comments (6)  |  Permalink

Bounce-Worthy

Bounce-Worthy: Alison Carney

Have you ever listened to a song from a group and heard a singer's voice that made you stop and ask yourself, "Who is that?" If so, then you'll understand how I felt when I first heard Alison Carney....

Butta  |  07/24/2008 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

The Interwebs

Is About.com's List of the 'Best Rap Albums of the 90s' Random, or Just Common Sense?

Although some of you out there may not like it, we talk about Hip Hop here at SoulBounce. There will probably never come a day that we won't. That being said, I happened upon About.com's Best Rap Albums of the...

nOvaMatic  |  07/24/2008 at 12:15 PM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Who's Gonna Save Our Soul After Watching Gnarls Barkley's New Video?

Ahh...Gnarls Barkley. Those two words alone were once only thought of as a tongue-in-cheek misappropriation of basketball great's name. Now that we've all been privy to their blend of soul hop/rock/punk beats, not to mention the visuals they've provided as...

ill Mami  |  07/24/2008 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (5)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Too Dangerous For Me

How dope are Questlove's new Nike Air Questo kicks? Very! [HS]Nas hit #1 on the charts and protested FOX News yesterday. [BB]So you think you're a singing diva? Sheryl Lee Ralph wants to hear from you. [EJ]Take a look...

Butta  |  07/24/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Permalink

Top 100 Soul/R&B Songs

#28: Maze featuring Frankie Beverly 'Before I Let Go'

For those who think that "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" is the Black National Anthem, I hate to break it to you but you've been hoodwinked and bamboozled. As quiet is kept, there's another song that really holds that distinction:...

Butta  |  07/23/2008 at 6:00 PM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

First Spin

Jazmine Sullivan Will 'Bust Your Windows' If You Do Her Wrong

A few weeks ago we posted a blog alerting everyone to a new song snippet that Jazmine Sullivan posted on her MySpace page. The song was dope but entirely too short to really get into. Fast forward to today...

Butta  |  07/23/2008 at 4:20 PM  |  Comments (10)  |  Permalink

First Spin

Teedra Moses is 'So Kool'

Even though Teedra Moses has gotten caught in the middle of a mess with her record company, TVT Records, going belly up, that isn't stopping her from making music and every now and then she gives us a taste...

Butta  |  07/23/2008 at 3:15 PM  |  Comments (10)  |  Permalink

Media Watch

Is the Blogosphere Ruining the Discussion of Music? Just Ask Q-Tip.

The folks over at HipHopRuckus have some excerpts from Q-Tip's upcoming interview with SPIN magazine, and he has a pretty interesting (possibly polarizing) take on music blogs. Tip, I implore you to drop by SoulBounce 'cause you ain't seen nothing...

nOvaMatic  |  07/23/2008 at 2:00 PM  |  Comments (10)  |  Permalink

Bounce-Worthy

Bounce-Worthy: PulL

I was put on to the female group PulL a few months ago, just after the release of their single "Don't Compare to You."  I was looking for the right time to feature them here on SB, and this...

Harlem  |  07/23/2008 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (13)  |  Permalink

First Spin, Soul Cynic

Can Tank & Donell Jones Keep Grown Man R&B Alive?

When it comes to big R&B male soloists, who's worth a damn? R. Kelly? Nope! Because he's lecherous, creatively-repetitive and thinks he's a rapper. Maxwell? Maybe, if he stops putting us through this slow Chinese water-torture. Usher, to be fair,...

nOvaMatic  |  07/23/2008 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (13)  |  Permalink

A Soulful Noise

Will Slim Emerge As the Most Successful Soloist of 112?

There's nothing wrong with a little friendly competition between comrades, especially when that competition is imagined and perpetuated by the Best! Black! Music! Blog! on the Interwebs. Without question, Slim is the most recognizable voice of 112 and he's poised...

nOvaMatic  |  07/23/2008 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

Admin Announcements

We Want YOUR Concert Reviews and Photos!

(L-R: Butta, Anthony David, Vivrant Thang, nOvaMatic, Sweetlips)One of the most brilliant ideas to come to us via our survey was the suggestion that we have readers submit concert reviews and experiences. This is pretty ingenious since Your Friendly SoulBounce...

nOvaMatic  |  07/23/2008 at 10:30 AM  |  Comments (9)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Need Some Action

So is everyone going to run out and buy Dr. Dre's $350 headphones this weekend? [USAT]Joe Thomas cozies up to Claudia Jordan in his new video. [BAR]Who in their right or left mind would want to work for Diddy? [NR]No...

Butta  |  07/23/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

Top 100 Soul/R&B Songs

#29: Guy 'Piece of My Love'

What did Aaron Hall just say? If you are anything like me, then back in 1988 you may have found yourself asking that very question the first time you heard "Piece of My Love" from Guy's debut album, Guy. The...

Butta  |  07/22/2008 at 6:00 PM  |  Comments (10)  |  Permalink

Interviews

Behind the Groove with Ayah

There are some artists that take a while to grow on you and then there are those who get you open after just one listen. In the case of Toronto's Ayah, let's just say that she had many of us...

Butta  |  07/22/2008 at 5:00 PM  |  Comments (6)  |  Permalink

First Spin

'Fall' For Something New From Brandy

Could it be that Brandy has finally found a worthy comeback song? Methinks yes with the track "Fall" that is rumored to be the first single from her as-yet-untitled next album. After a string of mediocre to wack leaks...

Butta  |  07/22/2008 at 2:00 PM  |  Comments (14)  |  Permalink

Bounce-Worthy, Free Music

Bounce-Worthy: Nola Darling

These days mixtapes from new artists trying to get their name and music out there are a dime a dozen, but it's the rare artist that really stands out from the pack and delivers a hot product. Singing femcee...

Butta  |  07/22/2008 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

Rap Snacks

Is Nas Better With DJ Premier or With Dr. Dre?

MTV is reporting that Nas wants to pull another blog-baiting stunt in the near future. See, he has this wacky idea, or "dream," that he can drop two albums in the same day--one entirely produced by DJ Premier, who's responsible for...

nOvaMatic  |  07/22/2008 at 12:59 PM  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

OMG @ Raheem DeVaughn's 'Text Messages' Video

Yesterday Raheem DeVaughn swung by 106th & Park to premiere his new video for the song "Text Messages" that surfaced online last month. Unfortunately, he didn't make any mention of when the updated version of Love Behind the Melody that...

Butta  |  07/22/2008 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (9)  |  Permalink

First Spin

Ne-Yo Finds His 'Miss Independent' Then Decides On 'Breakin' Up'

With Ne-Yo's new album The Year of the Gentleman finally set to drop on August 5th, you wouldn't be alone in wondering if there will be any songs on the disc that haven't already been heard via the internets. As...

Harlem  |  07/22/2008 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Kill Dem Wit It Now

You know you want to take a sip of The Diddy. [WH]Pharrell Williams has a bun in the oven. [PC]B.B. King digs deep into his blues roots on his new CD. [BB]Does Jennifer Hudson have any friends? Cause they...

Butta  |  07/22/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Permalink

Top 100 Soul/R&B Songs

#30: Jodeci 'Forever My Lady'

The '90s brought a wave of Black male R&B groups into our collective consciousness that many acts of today attempt to emulate but lack that It Factor. One of these groups who had It and will forever be remembered, revered...

Butta  |  07/21/2008 at 6:00 PM  |  Comments (6)  |  Permalink

Relax in Paradise

DJ K-Swift (1978-2008)

DJ "K-Swift" dead at 29 [BS]DJ K-Swift [MySpace]...

Butta  |  07/21/2008 at 4:10 PM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

Bounce-Worthy

Bounce-Worthy: Darien

The Summer of SoulBounce is rolling on as we continue to hit the streets in search of new, under-the-radar artists to put you on to. Well, get ready, because over the next five days, we'll be rolling out some...

Harlem  |  07/21/2008 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

Soul Cynic

Dru Hill Cannot Be Stopped, No Matter What You and I Think

Imagine the collective disappointment that surged through us upon hearing the new Dru Hill track called "Loose." Oh wait, you don't have to imagine it because it's all right here! But the awfulness of that song cannot be blamed on...

nOvaMatic  |  07/21/2008 at 12:50 PM  |  Comments (5)  |  Permalink

Calendar

UPCOMING EVENTS: Ledisi, Jill Scott, Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest & More

Bouncers, I hope you were keeping an eye on the calendar while we were away. The past few weeks have been chock full of great events. In case you missed out, never fear. I'm back to make sure you stay...

Vivrant Thang  |  07/21/2008 at 12:35 PM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

First Spin

Q. Parker to His Ex: Did You Ever 'Think About Me'?

It was about a month ago that a single from Quinnes Parker, aka Q. of the group 112, surfaced on the net called "Get at You," a track where Q. was putting down some serious mack game over a...

Harlem  |  07/21/2008 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Pretty Face and Bad Character

What the blood clot? Darryl McDaniels of Run-DMC was hospitalized last week. Get well soon, DMC. [People]DMX returned to the Earl Simmons Suite in jail over the weekend after yet another arrest. [HH]Karina Pasian looks lovely and age appropriate...

Butta  |  07/21/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

Top 100 Soul/R&B Songs

#31: Aaliyah 'Rock the Boat'

The good news is Aaliyah made our countdown again, but today's entry, "Rock the Boat," makes it a little more bittersweet. Aaliyah's genre-pushing, self-titled third album, debuted with the futuristic and sexy "We Need a Resolution" produced by Timbaland....

nOvaMatic  |  07/18/2008 at 4:00 PM  |  Comments (8)  |  Permalink

A Soulful Noise

Is Jackson's 'Billie' Really the G.O.A.T.?

It's good to know that despite all of the wild rumors that Michael Jackson's health is deteriorating by the day, his music will live on forever. Just this week, the classic "Billie Jean" earned the title of "greatest dance record...

Harlem  |  07/18/2008 at 3:30 PM  |  Comments (9)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

New Videos From Ashanti, Keri Hilson & CeCile

Fellas, you're in for a treat with this week's new video roll call. The ladies have some serious eye candy for ya. First up is my guilty pleasure, Ashanti, with a sexy cute new video for her second single....

Butta  |  07/18/2008 at 2:45 PM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

First Spin

Big Boi and Mary J. Blige Make a Political Statement in 'Something's Gotta Give'

Big Boi and Mary J. Blige have teamed up for a politically-charged collaboration with the song "Something's Gotta Give." With its laid-back groove, this is a departure from the sound we're used to hearing from Big Boi but it leads...

Butta  |  07/18/2008 at 1:30 PM  |  Comments (9)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Robin Thicke's New Video Has the 'Magic' Touch

We're already on record as saying we love Robin Thicke's song "Magic." He's a bad boy (and no, not in the 'he's joined with Diddy and DayDay39 way). Bad meaning good, of course, as in everything about his new video...

Harlem  |  07/18/2008 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (8)  |  Permalink

A Soulful Noise, Sh*t or Shinola?

Maxwell Preparing For A Tour?

We stay on Maxwell watch here at SoulBounce. Every little step he makes, we will be there and likely have something to say about it. So of course there's much commentary to be had regarding his latest MySpace status message....

Butta  |  07/18/2008 at 11:20 AM  |  Comments (7)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Can You Feel It?

Check out Tamia on BETJ's Real Life Divas. [TW]Looks like Kelly Rowland has gotten a real job hosting a new TV show. That's a good look since that solo singing thing aint really working out. [BV]Ryan Leslie held a...

Butta  |  07/18/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

Top 100 Soul/R&B Songs

#32: Bobby Womack 'If You Think You're Lonely Now'

I want to dedicate this song to all the lovers tonight... So starts Bobby Womack's hit slow jam, "If You Think You're Lonely Now." This song has all of the ingredients for a hearty helping of classic soul love gumbo....

Butta  |  07/17/2008 at 5:00 PM  |  Comments (10)  |  Permalink

Interviews

Behind the Groove with Noel Gourdin

Noel Gourdin may be a new jack on the scene, but he is an old soul when it comes to music. The Brockton, Massachusetts born-and-bred singer has deep roots in the South, and he pays homage to this on his...

Butta  |  07/17/2008 at 4:00 PM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Saul Williams Gives Us Access to a 'Convict Colony'

Anyone that knows anything about Saul Williams knows at least one thing--he's definitely not the celibate boyfriend he played for a season on Girlfriends. Nope. He's out there. In the best way possible, but still...way out there. Which is more...

Harlem  |  07/17/2008 at 3:30 PM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

First Spin

Take It 'Slooow' With J*DaVeY

It's no secret that we totally heart J*DaVeY here at SBHQ. The dynamic duo has led us to spontaneously break out into The Carlton Banks on numerous occasions with their upbeat new wave tunes. But when these two change...

Butta  |  07/17/2008 at 2:30 PM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

Rap Snacks

Illa Keeps Dilla Alive on New Project

J Dilla was never the type of producer to make a couple of hot tracks then rest on his laurels; the cat stayed in the studio, churning out beat after beat with each one sounding nothing like the one...

nOvaMatic  |  07/17/2008 at 1:45 PM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

In Which Pretty Ricky Defiles a Classic for the 'Tween Set

Not for nothing, but I can't stand Pretty Ricky's wicked little tails. But then, I'm not supposed to because I'm 28-years-old, male, and have all my wits about me. They are releasing their THIRD album and it's called Eighties Babies...

nOvaMatic  |  07/17/2008 at 12:50 PM  |  Comments (16)  |  Permalink

Sh*t or Shinola?

Michael Jackson & New Edition Help Bring Back... New Kids on the Block?

In a career-cresting move, it seems a couple of our favorite acts, Michael Jackson and New Edition, will be propping up New Kids on the Block. People, this is so wrong it has to be right! We're not sure of...

nOvaMatic  |  07/17/2008 at 11:15 AM  |  Comments (10)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: You Did What?

Natalie Cole has Hepatitis C, possibly contracted from years of drug abuse. Insert sad face here. [IT]Catch up on the Kanye West Ghost-Blogger Saga. [ID]Earth, Wind & Fire has three new releases on the horizon. [BB]Akon's trial for tossing...

Butta  |  07/17/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

Top 100 Soul/R&B Songs

#33: Janet Jackson 'That's the Way Love Goes'

It goes without saying that "That's the Way Love Goes" is one of Janet Jackson's most R&B-sounding singles. What strategic timing on the part of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, to urge the label to go with something that was romantic,...

nOvaMatic  |  07/16/2008 at 5:00 PM  |  Comments (9)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Alicia Keys Is Every Woman In 'Superwoman' Video

After my initial disdain for Alicia Keys' As I Am, I eventually warmed to it and it's gotten heavy rotation around my way. And now after watching her latest video for the song "Superwoman," I am unashamedly on Team Alicia....

Butta  |  07/16/2008 at 4:00 PM  |  Comments (10)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

'Spazz' If You Want To With N*E*R*D

N*E*R*D has banged out a second video from their album Seeing Sounds for the track "Spazz." We first heard this joint back in May and people either loved it or hated it, which I suspect will be the same reaction...

Butta  |  07/16/2008 at 2:00 PM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

First Spin

Ryan Leslie Breaks It Down

I have a like/dislike relationship with Ryan Leslie. I like that he's uber-educated and can make a beat in the time it takes me to floss and brush my teeth. Yet I dislike his "I'm all that and a...

Butta  |  07/16/2008 at 12:45 PM  |  Comments (8)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Fonzworth Bentley And Friends Channel The Five Heartbeats In 'Everybody'

Fonzworth Bentley has been threatening talking about releasing an album since like forever, and it seems as if his dream may finally be coming to fruition with the debut of his video for the song "Everybody" featuring Andre 3000, Kanye...

Butta  |  07/16/2008 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (10)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Do You Remember?

DJ Jazzy Jeff assures us that despite being the biggest movie star in the world, Will Smith is still the same old Will. So he's always been a swinger, huh Jazzy? [People]Has Def Jam decided to show Janet Jackson...

Butta  |  07/16/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Permalink

Top 100 Soul/R&B Songs

#34: Erykah Badu 'Otherside of the Game'

I make no secret of my extreme dislike for Baduizm. Maybe at the time of its release, I'd have been accused of not really being conscious or patient enough to buy what Erykah Badu was selling thematically. But that so wasn't the...

nOvaMatic  |  07/15/2008 at 6:00 PM  |  Comments (11)  |  Permalink

Interviews

Behind the Groove with Calvin Richardson

Remember a time when you could turn on the radio and actually hear real singing at any time of day on most stations? Sadly, those days are gone thanks to corporate greed and general public apathy. But thankfully there...

Butta  |  07/15/2008 at 5:00 PM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

The Interwebs

Erykah Badu Says 'Kiss My Placenta'

Erykah Badu is PISSED, y'all. Pissed like, when people judge you for having more than one "baby daddy." Only, that is the reason she's pissed. (Okay, make that was pissed since this happened last Friday, but we were on break...

nOvaMatic  |  07/15/2008 at 2:20 PM  |  Comments (21)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Grace Jones Returns With Bizarre New Video

Grace Jones is back, y'all! Now, now, wipe those vacant, blank stares off of your faces and save them until after you watch her new video. Personally, I watched Gracie in "Corporate Cannibal" with my head cocked to the side...

Butta  |  07/15/2008 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (15)  |  Permalink

The Interwebs

A Likely, Recent History of Things We'd Rather Forget (but can't, because of lists like this)

If ever you wanted to re-live Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction and Beyoncé's tumble down a flight of stairs all in one place, look no further than the JamsBio's blog, which has compiled a list of the Most Embarrassing Music Moments...

nOvaMatic  |  07/15/2008 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Don't It Make You Wanna Scream?

Has LL Cool J fallen back in love with Def Jam? [BV]Maxwell looks mad uncomfortable at this gathering, no? Albeit still fine as vintage wine. [C+D]So who should get the last spot in VIBE's Best Rapper Alive Tournament that...

Butta  |  07/15/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

Top 100 Soul/R&B Songs

#35: Bobby Caldwell 'What You Won't Do for Love'

Stop me if you've heard this one before: An artist completes an album, listens to it, and decides that something's missing. So before submitting it to the record company, they go into the studio, mess around with some tracks and...

Harlem  |  07/14/2008 at 6:00 PM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

First Spin

Talib Kweli 'Eardrum' Outtakes Find Their Way Online

Today is like Christmas in July for Talib Kweli fans. Two unreleased tracks from the Eardrum sessions hit the net today to remind us just how dope this dude really is. Because only a dope MC could leave these two...

Butta  |  07/14/2008 at 5:30 PM  |  Comments (5)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

New Videos From Everybody And Their Grandma, Part Deux

We take a short summer break and everybody and their grandma decides to drop a video during our absence. Figures. Well, let's see who came with it and who didn't while we were out, shall we? Up first is Jazmine...

Butta  |  07/14/2008 at 4:00 PM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

Mixtape Roundup

Thanks For Your Patience. Now Bang This.

Thanks to everyone that took our survey and waited for us to pull it together. Although the primary issues haven't yet been resolved, we've achieved clarity and are on a path to making this site the best it can possibly...

nOvaMatic  |  07/14/2008 at 2:00 PM  |  Comments (6)  |  Permalink

First Spin

New Music From Joe X Three

Joe is an R&B artist who, in my opinion, does not get his props in today's music game. But that's about to change if Kedar Massenburg has his way. Joe, who has now added his last name to the mix...

Butta  |  07/14/2008 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (11)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Miss Us Much?

Snoop Dogg is on board a Johnny Cash remix project with a version of "I Walk the Line." Insert a blank stare here. [BB]Attendees of the Toronto Film Festival will be the first ones to see Jennifer Hudson, Alicia...

Butta  |  07/14/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Comments (8)  |  Permalink