Ella Fitzgerald is quite possibly one of the most prolific jazz singers in the history of music. As the winner of 14 Grammy Awards, her three-octave range solidified her as the official ”First Lady of Song.”  Her elegance, diction and free-forming intonation of words into an almost “horn-like” sound, made her popular amongst audiences the world over.  

Raised in Yonkers, New York, she—as many greats before her—competed and won the amatuer title at New York’s historic Apollo Theatre in 1934.  In 1935, she jump-started her career as the featured singer of the Chick Webb Orchestra, with whom she recorded her first hit, ” A Tisket, A Tasket,” in 1938.  Following the death of Webb in 1939, she embarked upon her own solo career.  With the help of famous manager and jazz producer, Norman Granz, her profile elevated in the mid-1940s.  Her most prized LPs came in the form of Songbooks,  a series comprised of interpreted American songwriters.  It was around the same time of this major success that she moved towards television and movies, expanding her presence in the homes of millions.  

Later in her life, Ella’s art and humanitarian achievements provided her great recognition, receiving the National Medal of Art from Ronald Reagan in 1987 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom from George H.W. Bush in 1992.  Ella Fitzgerald died on June 15, 1996 at 78 years old. As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of her passing, we celebrate Fitzgerald’s artistry and contributions to the landscape of popular music.

Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff met on an elevator.  But what occurred from this chance meeting was the creation of one of the most legendary production teams of all time—not to mention the emergence of their label Philadelphia International Records as a hotbed for Soul and R&B music.  For 45 years these two have blessed the music world with classics such as “Me and Mrs. Jones” performed by Billy Paul, “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” by Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, “For the Love of Money” by the O’Jays (seen below) and “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me” by Dee Dee Warwick.  After producing over 170 gold and platinum records, their production prowess remains intact and undeniable and their musical legacy everlasting.

As a member of legendary hip hop crew Treacherous Three, Kool Moe Dee shook up the scene with his fellow group mates—LA Sunshine, Special K and DJ Easy Lee. It was during this time he cut the infamous freestyle roast of old school party rapper, Busy Bee Starski, which was pivotal in the creation of battle-rap. After making popular songs with the Treacherous Three such as “Feel the Heart Beat,” “Whip It,” and “Xmas Rap” featuring Doug E.Fresh, the group disbanded in 1985 and Kool Moe Dee went on to achieve greater success in his solo career.

Working with a very young Teddy Riley as producer, Moe Dee’s “Go See The Doctor” became his first solo single, and created the first sounds of the New Jack Swing movement. With the underground hit providing him with adequate attention, Jive Records signed him, and his first self-titled album dropped soon after. His second album, “How Ya Like Me Now” is his most commercially successful album, and went platinum; while his 1989 third album “Knowledge is King” reached gold status. In 1991, Kool Moe Dee joined Melle Mel, Big Daddy Kane and Ice T to appear on Quincy Jones’ album, “Back on the Block,” which won a Grammy Award for Best Album of the Year.

Today, Kool Moe Dee still performs internationally and—rumor has it—is working on a new album.

Tracy Chapman has been in the music industry for over two decades.  She’s came a long way from performing on the street corners of Harvard Square to being one of the most recognizable voices in folk and soul.  Chapman burst on the scene with a unique sound of political protest and liberal aspirations.  Tracy Chapman’s 1988 self titled first album opened doors for her beyond her wildest dreams—selling 13 million copies in the U.S.  Upon her invitation to sing at Nelson Mandela’s 70^th Birthday Tribute, “Fast Car” hit the pop charts quickly and garnerd the artist a top ten spot at #6 on the Billboard Top 100.

Her follow up, “Talkin’ ‘bout a Revolution” and “Baby Can I Hold You” also topped the charts and secured her three Grammys awards in 1989. Her platinum status continued with Crossroads (1989), Matters of the Heart (1992), and 1995’s 9x Platinum selling New Beginning, which spawned her biggest hit ” Give Me One Reason.”  While her popularity has waned in recent years, Chapman is still touring globally and creating soulful music for the masses.

Two years ago, on August 10^th, we lost the famed southern Soul Singer/Songwriter, Musician and Actor Isaac Hayes. With his signature sunglasses, the bald-headed bass-baritone had an image that spoke for itself and a musical message that helped define a generation.  Best known for his 1972 Academy Award winning composition of the theme from the film Shaft, he became one of the most recognizable voices throughout the United States.  With five gold-certified albums, tours around the world; Hayes was inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in 2005. Hayes revolutionized the music industry continuously from 1962 until he suffered a fatal stroke in 2008. Centric Remembers Isaac Hayes.

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The battle continues in the worlds of Veteran verses Newbie with the latest leak of R. Kelly’s version of “Already Taken.” Sang by the multi-platinum and multi-Grammy Award winning artist in a demo, the song was later given to Trey Songz and recently released for the Step Up 3D movie. Now, the most common question is: who sounds better? Things heated up between the two popular artists over the past year after a comment was made by Trey Songz in reference to the legacy of R. Kelly. “When I heard Jay-Z’s ‘Death of Auto-tune’ my first thought was ‘when will R. Kelly stop using it?” he publicly published on his blog. “The King of R&B with an auto-tune-filled mixtape (not to mention an auto tuned “Double Up” album) disappoints me. If throwing rocks at the throne wakes up the King, consider them thrown. I just want R. Kelly back.”

As you can imagine, R. Kelly didn’t take too lightly to the comments made by the artist. With words thrown back and forth, the two seem to have written each other off. Though an admitted fan to the artistry and talent of R. Kelly, Trey Songz claims to be the new ‘king’ of the charts due to the declined response to R. Kelly’s latest work. With the emergence of R&B and Rap artists taking back the radio, many vets who are slowly fading to the background are seeking for recognition like never before. R. Kelly’s die-hard fans claim Trey Songz is an imitator; while Trey Songz’ following believes he’s the perfect example of generational progression. Take a listen to the tracks below and make up an opinion for yourself. Sound Off:

R. Kelly – “Already Taken”:

Trey Songz – “Already Taken”:

Snoop Dogg rocked the music world when he debuted his groundbreaking album Doggystyle on November 23^rd 1993.  Selling 802,858 copies in its first week alone, it became known as the fastest-selling album ever—a feat not to be surpassed until 50 Cent’s Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ in 2003.  Shaking the world with his harmonious funk-inspired flow, the west coast rapper coined the term ‘G-funk,’ most evident in his singles “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?” and “Gin and Juice.”  Though praised for his unique delivery, he also met some criticism regarding his depiction of women, drugs, alcohol and violence.  Dr. Dre produced the album using classic samples by many 1970s P-funk and soul artists such as Curtis Mayfield, Funkadelic, George Clinton and Parliament.  It was certified four-time platinum less than year later, selling seven million copies worldwide to date.

You can catch Snoop Dogg at this year’s Rock the Bells Festival alongside Lauryn Hill, Wu-Tang Clan, A Tribe Called Quest and many more. Enter HERE to win tickets to the show sponsored by Guerilla Union and CentricTV.com

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Comprised of 9 different flows, styles, and personalities; Wu Tang Clan changed the game when their platinum-selling album 36 Chambers debuted on November 9, 1993.  The clan’s Staten Island sound balanced out the West Coast dominated-radio of the time.  RZA, GZA, Raekwon, U-God, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, Method Man, Masta Killa, and the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard each contributed individually to the collective that inspired a culture of fans and rappers to follow.  Described as a masterpiece, the album produced the hits “Protect Ya Neck/M-E-T-H-O-D Man” and “Cream,” which has been recognized as a Hip-Hop classic. 

You can catch Wu-Tang at this year’s Rock the Bells Festival alongside Lauryn Hill, Snoop Dogg, A Tribe Called Quest and many more. Enter HERE to win tickets to the show sponsored by Guerilla Union and CentricTV.com

Wu-Tang Clan – Cream live at BET
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Former Guy front man and platinum-selling R&B artist Aaron Hall recently announced his return to the music industry and found it time to vent his opinions on a few artists—old and new. In a video interview with CarltonJordan.com, Hall blasts Singer/Producer The Dream on his weight, his wife, and his music,  ”You ain’t king of nothing.” He goes on to state that R. Kelly “can’t bite [his] swag, because the swag is what you got to have.”  Hall believes 90’s R&B was the best era of all, and explains why he was the best to ever do it.  He plans a comeback later next year with his forthcoming single “There Will Never Be Another Me” to be followed by the release of his new album, 64 Classic.

With so many 90’s acts making comebacks, think he can withstand the new wave of musical taste?  Check out the video below and SOUND OFF!

Aaron Hall Talks Comeback from Centric TV on Vimeo.

In November of 1993, A Tribe Called Quest reached new heights of fame when they released their third album Midnight Marauders.  Highly anticipated amongst music followers, the album—a follow-up to their commercially successful sophomore album, The Low End Theory—held true to the group’s winning formula and went beyond expectations.  With the lyrically captivating “Award Tour” as their lead single, the album reached platinum status and became recognized by Source Magazine as one of Hip-Hop’s Top 100 Albums of all time.  With classic songs such as “Electric Relaxation” and “Oh My God” as singles, as well as “Sucka N***a” and “Lyrics to Go”;  Q-Tip, Phife, and Ali left a undeniable mark on the world of music.

You can catch A Tribe Called Quest at this years Rock the Bells Festival alongside Snoop Dogg, Wu-Tang Clan, Lauryn Hill and many more. Enter HERE to win tickets to the show sponsored by Guerilla Union and CentricTV.com