For over five decades Patricia Louise Holte, known the world over as Patti Labelle, has won two Grammy Awards, countless lifetime achievement honors. As a solo artist and a member of R&B/soul trio Labelle, the 69-year-old diva has released 29 studio albums and nearly 100 singles.

Her distinctive vocals and high energy stage show—she can can roll around on the floor and kick off a pair of pumps like no other—has set her in a class all her own.

Today, marks Patti’s 69th birthday, and we’re celebrating with a playlist of her greatest hits.

Herewith The Music of Patti Labelle…

]]> http://blogs.centrictv.com/music/soulsessions/?feed=rss2&p=21562 0 http://blogs.centrictv.com/music/soulsessions/?p=29899 http://blogs.centrictv.com/music/soulsessions/?p=29899#comments Fri, 24 May 2013 16:08:42 +0000 jdwayne http://blogs.centrictv.com/music/soulsessions/?p=29899

Quadron is setting the stage for the release of their upcoming album Avalanche, with the release of “Better Off.” The song, featuring rap’s current it-boy Kendrick Lamar, is the second single off the project, following the well received, “Hey Love.”

The Danish duo and subCentric favorites are gearing up to release, Avalanche, the follow-up to their 2009 critically acclaimed self-titled debut album.

Avalanche will be released June 4.

Listen to Quadron ft. Kendrick Lamar – “Better Off” below:

What say you? HIT OR MISS

As you prep for your Memorial Day barbecue or picnic, jump start your extended holiday weekend with this playlist of soul and R&B classics. While this playlist is kid-friendly, this groove was made for grown folks.

1. “Funkin’ For Jamaica” – Tom Browne
2. “Before I Let Go” – Maze ft. Frankie Beverly
3. “Family Reunion” – The O’Jays
4. “September” – Earth, Wind & Fire
5. “Electric Boogie” – Marcia Griffiths
6. “Flashlight” – Parliament
7. “Candy” – Cameo
8. “Cupid Shuffle” – Cupid
9. “Hole in The Wall” – Tyrone Davis
10. “Outstanding” – The Gap Band

Ever since I was introduced to Sevyn Streeter’s music post her days in the girl group RichGirl, I have been admittedly a fan. Aside from the fact that I have a soft spot for beautiful and fly chocolate skinned sisters, this girl can sing and can dance (did you not see that chair move she did in her debut video “I Like It”).

Her latest release, “It Won’t Stop” is a continuum of her making musical steps in the right direction. Although she fits snugly in the formulaic format of radio today, there is something about her voice and general swag that’s different—refreshingly different.

Signed to Chris Brown’s CBE (Chris Brown Entertainment) Label, the 26-year-old Florida native is currently still working on her debut solo project, which reportedly will be released in November.

Editor Choice of the week: Sevyn Streeter – “It Won’t Stop”

Good to Know: Sevyn is an accomplished songwriter penning hits for the Chris Brown (“Yeah 3x,” “Strip,” “Fine China”), Alicia Key (“New Day”), and Fantasia Barrino (“Get It Right”)

Justin Dwayne Joseph
@iamjustinjoseph

Prince and the ladies of 3rdEyeGirl have released the video for their new single “FixUrLifeUp.” Directed by Sanaa Hamri, the video was filmed in San Diego during their “Live Out Loud” tour.

The legendary entertainer and the trio are currently readying a new album to be released on indie label Kobalt Music Group.

Watch Prince  & 3rdEyeGirl – “FixUrLifeUp” below:

Maxwell. Maxwell. Maxwell.

There are many things we can say about the Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter, but when we think about his string of hits, words aren’t really necessary. The music speaks for itself.

Today marks Maxwell’s 40th Birthday, and we’re celebrating with a playlist of his greatest hits. Herewith, The Music of Maxwell.

]]> http://blogs.centrictv.com/music/soulsessions/?feed=rss2&p=29891 0 http://blogs.centrictv.com/music/soulsessions/?p=29878 http://blogs.centrictv.com/music/soulsessions/?p=29878#comments Thu, 23 May 2013 14:03:42 +0000 jdwayne http://blogs.centrictv.com/music/soulsessions/?p=29878

It’s been nearly three months since CentricTV.com deemed Remy Shand, “Missing in Music.” But, just when we were about to retire our hopes of getting a follow-up project to his 2002 debut album, The Way I Feel, the Canadian born singer-songwriter-musician has resurfaced with new music.

Earlier this week, Shand released a new single, “Where Are We Going,” on YouTube, marking his first single in just over a decade.

Of course, Shand played all instruments and provided all of the vocals on the track, not to mention he recorded and mixed it himself—a veritable new age Prince right?

The release comes at a time when interest in the singer has started to pique in the wake of his early 2000s contemporaries making comebacks (i.e. fellow Canadian R&B singer, Glenn Lewis).

No word has been given on the release of a full-length album.

Listen to Remy Shand’s “Where Are We Going” below:

What say you? Happy To See Remy back on the music scene?

It’s been nine years since Goodie Mob has released new music, but that all changed this week with the release of “Special Education,” an abstract cut featuring Janelle Monae on the hook.

Sonically it takes some time to warm up to the song, but it’s a good start—who doesn’t like Big Gipp, Khujo, T-Mo, and Cee-Lo doing their thing collectively?

“Special Education” will be featured on the group’s upcoming album Age Against the Machine in stores June 18.

Listen to Goodie Mob’s “Special Education” below:

Sean Garrett is caught up in the “Twilight Zone.” Well not literally. But that’s the name of the acclaimed singer-songwriter’s new single, which cleverly uses the theme song from the classic mystery series.

The song which features Trey Songz and Future isn’t awe inspiring, but for fans of Garrett (and Trey, and Future), “Twilight Zone,” will be in heavy rotation.

“Yes, we back again with another song of the summer,” said Garrett in an interview with Billboard. “This time more conceptual, sexy, moody, street, and club—that both the DJs and the ladies are gonna love.”

“Twilight Zone” will be featured on Garrett’s Gangsta Grillz mixtape, ‘The Inkwell 2,’ slated for release in July.

Listen to “Twilight Zone” below:

What say you? HIT OR MISS?

As temperatures rise across the country, Ciara is calling all ladies to get out on the dance floor. The singer has released “I’m Out,” a synth heavy booty bass record featuring Nicki Minaj. The sassy female empowerment song marks Ci-Ci’s second collaboration with the colorful rapper, they previously worked together on 2012’s “I’m Legit,” featured on Minaj’s Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded – The Re-Up.

“I’m Out” is the latest cut released off Ciara’s upcoming self-titled album, set for release this summer.

What say you ladies? Does this make you want to get out on the floor?