Archive » Harlem

This page contains 135 entries posted by Harlem

With the countdown still a fresh memory as well as a reminder of how much we still love the old school, we've been diggin' in the crates all week, looking for some hidden gems from artists that are due for album releases in the near futrue. Today's subject is Shanice, whom we've talked about here recently, and is hard at work on her next project. Inspired by Ro's post, we decided to check out the 1995 Panther motion picture soundtrack, where Shanice and the group Female laid down their take on the 1970 Gladys Knight & the Pips classic "If I Were Your Woman." It seems covers are a Shanice specialty, as she sang her eight year-old behind off to Stephanie Mills' "Home" and competently tackled Minnie Riperton's classic "Lovin' You" on her debut album Inner Child. On this track, with this cover, it's at the 1:50 mark where you can tell she gets comfortable, hitting her first run. From then on, she owns the song, placing her in the elite company of those who covered the song with success. A short list of one: Mills. Enjoy this, and stay tuned as we continue diggin' in the crates for more hidden gems.

Shanice feat. Female: "If I Were Your Woman"

Harlem | 09/04/2008 at 5:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Sh*t or Shinola?

Does Usher's 'Ladies-Only' Tour Make You Wanna...

Cringe? Scream? Run out and buy tickets? Leave the one you're with and start a new relationship with...? (Sorry, couldn't help it.) But seriously, when news that Usher will be hitting the road for an intimate, 15-city sweep called the Ladies-Only One Night Stand Tour hit the net earlier this week, I chuckled. Not because I don't think it will work, because really, who ~~cares~~ knows if it will. Oh wait, Usher does. "There's only a few artists that can pull that off," he said. "I feel like I've had such a connection with my audience. This album, I felt like, was definitely the type of one that was more intimate. So what better way to get up close and personal than to make it all women?" Right. Personally, I think it's a brilliant initial power move on his mother's part, re-establishing herself as the HWIC (Head-Woman-In-Charge) in her son's life, while putting wifey Tameka in her place. What better way to do that than to plan a ladies-only tour for her married son to promote a ballad-driven album. Gangsta! What do you think? Will the tour work? Are women still checking for Usher like that? Have they ever? Well, I asked my SB fam for their thoughts. Check after the bounce to see what they had to say.

Video SoulBounce

Brandy's Video for 'Right Here (Departed)' Is Right On Time

Last month, when we first played Brandy's new single, "Right Here (Departed)," I immediately started wondering what the concept for the video would be. So, when I saw that the clip had its world premiere last night, I was excited. B-Rocka usually comes strong. Plus, I'd heard about the I Am Legend slant it might take. Eh, not so much. The clip shows Brandy reaching out from "the beyond" providing comfort to those she was forced to leave behind. That's it. No, not legendary in the least, but you know what? It works. Sometimes, the simplest of concepts make for great theater. Maybe I just missed seeing her face on my screen. It might just be that, since I even forgive the latest meaningless Ray J cameo. I mean, he is family. Producer Rodney Jerkins also appears, as does fledgling actor (and husband of Tia Mowry) Corey Hardrict. Check the clip below and let us know what you think. Brandy's back! And even in its simplest form, "Right Here" is right on time.

Harlem | 09/04/2008 at 11:00 AM | Comments (7) | Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Come On Shortie If You Think You Can Roll

Stevie's still Wonder-ful! He's up next for the very prestigious Gershwin Prize. [BB]
From Wonder-ful to Wonder bread, Britney's up next to kick off the VMAs this week. Yawn. Wake me if she misses a lip sync. [People]
From Wonder bread to Wonder-um, bra, Samuel L. Jackson wanted more "titties" in his new movie. Well, alrighty then. [SH]
From Wonder-bra to Wonder-why, Beyoncé covers Marie Claire, but not much new ground as the mag interviews her for their October issue. [MC]
And then there's this, which makes me wonder if people at VIBE even care about good music anymore. Sit down, Ciara. [SR]

Harlem | 09/04/2008 at 10:00 AM | Comments (6) | Permalink

First Spin

Shanice Remakes Stacy Lattisaw. And We Like It.

As we told you a few months ago, R&B singer Shanice is back on the scene, promising a new album before the end of the year. She's definitely on the grind, providing unending entertainment through video diaries on her YouTube channel. And now, new music has surfaced on her MySpace page. Well, technically, it's not really new, as it's a remake of the 1980 Stacy Lattisaw classic "Let Me Be Your Angel." Oh, the memories. I used to have the biggest crush on Ms. Lattisaw, so hearing her signature song again was a very good thing. Shanice puts it down, too, staying true to the chorus while re-inventing the lyrics in order to make it her own. It's near the end of the song, however, that she really starts to cut loose, reminding everyone within earshot that vocally, Flex Alexander's wife is still not one to be messed with. Take a listen below and let us know what you think. I will now go pull out my June 1981 Right On! magazine and swoon over Stacy's centerfold poster one mo' time. You know, for old time's sake.

Shanice: "Let Me Be Your Angel"

Harlem | 09/02/2008 at 2:30 PM | Comments (4) | Permalink

SoulTube

J*DaVeY Performing Live on Ellen

Last night, while doing my daily net surfing, I came across this YouTube video of J*DaVeY performing the track "Dollar or More" on the Ellen DeGeneres Show. Being an avid watcher of the show (dont judge me!), I knew it had to be something not-yet-aired. I found out I was right when I read the YouTube description:

Watch eclectic duo J*DaVeY perform their single "Dollar or More" in this exclusive online video. Lead singer [Miss] Jack Davey (born: Brianna Cartwright) actually used to work here at the show, and Ellen is not shy about taking complete credit for her success!

Good stuff. So then I got to work looking for more Miss Jack Davey/Ellen connections and came across this gem of a clip. Score! I really think I'd like to have Ellen as a boss. She seems so, so... generous (takes bow). No word on when the performance will air, but really, now that we've shown it to you, does it matter? Enjoy.

Harlem | 09/02/2008 at 11:30 AM | Comments (6) | Permalink

Top 100 Soul/R&B Songs

#1: Donny Hathaway 'A Song for You'

There are so many songs that could've been chosen to be #1 on our countdown. So many songs that would've satisfied both the masses and the staff. So many songs that would've made you dance, or cry, or just sing out loud. We've been through 99 of them -- our favorites -- and today we present as our #1, this song: Donny Hathaway's cover of "A Song for You."

It feels strange to even label this song as a cover, although it is, originally recorded in 1970 by singer-songwriter and session musician Leon Russell. His original composition that served as a slow, pained plea of forgiveness from an estranged lover turned into a soul classic once Hathaway put his voice to it. It's no coincidence that he was able to best represent the song's pain. In fact, this song was Donny's life story put to music. From the opening piano scale, which started on a heavenly high and descended straight to Earth and below, you knew this song was all about hurt. He'd spent most of his adulthood battling depression, battling those demons that eventually made him decide to take his own life at the tender age of 33. You feel that pain from an incredible artist that died far too soon. Through this song, even though it was recorded eight years prior, it's as if he's asking us collectively for our forgiveness.

The fact that this song is still so revered has everything to do with Donny. Everything to do with that rich voice and the way he gave us each word as if it were going to be his last. It's the purity of it all, note for note, even while singing it live. It's the sincerity you feel each time he says "I love you." He gave it the respect it deserved, realizing that the song wasn't about him. It was our song, and his voice was simply the instrument through which we received it. Hearing it, or even singing it aloud, is therapeutic, easing the pain that comes with loss. It is the very definition of what a soul song should be.

So, as we wrap up this very special countdown with this very special song, we thank you for indulging us, for facing off with us, for celebrating soul every day with us. We leave you in Donny's capable hands one last time with the live version of "A Song for You." And for those who thought we showed less than the proper respect for the Queen of Soul during our five month journey, a sublime hat tip awaits after the bounce.

Donny Hathaway: "A Song for You" (Live)

First Spin, Rap Snacks

KRS-ONE Announces the Arrival of the Million DJ March!

Earlier this month, we hipped you to the fact that the Million DJ March would be headed to Washington, DC. Well, that time has come, with the group invading the nation's capital this weekend, and while we know that it will be a "million" in title only, there's sure to be a large contingent of the nation's beat breakers. Which makes sense, the group gathering to stand up for their work on Labor Day weekend. Of course that means--after their business is taken care of--parties! And since we're talking about the music industry, a theme song as well. None other than the blastmaster KRS-One has laid down a track for the event, urging all "real DJs to stand up for ourselves," letting them know it's "time for some action" and that the "revolution will start here." Take a listen below and get yourself hyped up for the weekend. And to all the DJs descending upon the DMV: Stand up! [H/T: 2DB]

KRS-One: "Million DJ March"

Harlem | 08/29/2008 at 3:15 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17