Since the release of  her single ‘The Way You Move,’ Faith Evans fans have been dying to hear some new music from the R&B diva. Midway through the the completion of her album Evans teams up with brilliant instrumentalist Brian Culbertson for a cut off of his latest album XII called ‘Don’t You Know Me By Now.’ Co-written by Floetry’s Natalie “The Floacist” Stewart, the song is a powerful blend of jazz-inspired rhymes and soft soul vocals. Never one to disappoint, Faith pours out an inner chorus that provides an answer to the song’s question. With high hopes of Faith Evans album dropping at the end of the summer click here to download the song and XII.

Next up on the Twilight Bandwagon is Cee-Lo with “What Part of Forever” for the second single of the sequel’s Eclipse soundtrack.  Straight off the heels of his critically acclaimed mixtape, “Stray Bullets,” this new video equally balances Cee-Lo’s unique voice and lyricism with Twilight’s mysterious storyline.  The video takes the viewer on a journey through an enchanting wilderness.  The video proves captivating as a slow-moving Cee-Lo drags you along with every line.  If this isn’t enough to entice everyone for his next solo project, I don’t know what would be.

Despite disappointing sales, Kelis has announced “Scream” as the next single from her “Flesh Tone” album.  In collaboration with popular house producer, David Guetta, the two pair up for an edgy club song that has much more to say than how to dance on the floor.  “It’s not enough to live, so just dream” she demands of the listener.  Ready for take-off as one of the most inspiring and groove-inducing songs of the summer, Kelis proves why record sales could never determine the true worth of an artist.  In hopes of a better reaction abroad, Kelis boots up for a European tour beginning October 1^st.

Check the dates below and CLICK HERE for a listen to the track.  Both will prove to be an experience NOT to miss!

European Tour Dates-October

1 – O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, London UK
2 – Warehouse Project, Manchester UK
4 – ABC, Glasgow UK
5 – HMV Institute, Birmingham UK
6 – Bataclan, Paris FRANCE
8 – Rock Ternat Festival, Brussels BELGIUM
9 – Den Atelier, Luxembourg
10 – MOD, Hasselt BELGIUM
12 – Berns, Stockholm SWEDEN
13 – Vega, Copenhagen DENMARK
14 – Circus, Helsinki FINLAND
16 – Berlin GERMANY
17 – Hamburg GERMANY
19 – Munich GERMANY
20 – Vienna AUSTRIA
22 – Zurich SWITZERLAND
23 – Paradiso (Main Hall), Amsterdam HOLLAND

Usher, who publicly denounced Chris Brown back in 2008, seems to have lightened up on the troubled young star. When photos emerged of Brown happily vacationing in Miami—following the highly publicized incident with then girlfriend Rihanna—Usher chose to publicly voice his opinion in video.  ”I’m a little disappointed in this photo,” he said. Come on Chris, have a little bit of remorse man. …The man’s on jet skis? Like, just relaxing in Miami?”

Chris, who appears to—and asserts to— have changed for the better is now starting to regain some of the audience he lost.  Coming off of what many describe as his most dynamic performance to date at the 2010 BET Awards, the music community is opening their arms up to him.  Last weekend Brown and Usher co-headlined the Reggae SumFest in Montego Bay, Jamaica.  Chris not only joined Usher on stage for a dance-off, but it has also been confirmed that the two recorded a duet that same weekend. Interesting…

What do you think of Usher’s co-sign of Chris?  Do you think this is a business move on Mr. Raymond’s part? SOUND OFF

The only way to celebrate the beginning of August is to head to NY to see soul music’s abiding sister, Leela James perform in concert. The invigorating singer will be performing in the Big Apple’s at the famous Gramercy Theater on Aug. 4th. James’ voice has heralded her into a class of her own. This show is one you won’t want to miss. Click here to purchase your tickets from Live Nation. You can thank us for the suggestion later.

One of the best kept secrets to the future era of smooth R&B may be Jesse Boykins III. While his street neat appearance might lead you to doubt (a sad mistake to say the least), his voice and musical presence is highly convincing. Point being: The brother can sing! Vocally his talents seem endless, winning over several hearts as he continues to  develop in his career. The Chi-town native ups the soul ante with ‘Closer.’ Originally a hit off of Corrine Bailey Rae’s The Sea album, Boykins caresses melody of the song with desirable expression. Seeing as how Rae’s version of ‘Closer’ is one of the most popular songs on her album, do you feel Boykins did it justice? Sound off after the drop.

Closer(Corinne Bailey Rae Cover) Jesse Boykins III by JB3MUSIC

The Roots are back with a new single “The Fire” from their 9th studio album, “How I Got Over.” Featuring John Legend, the video is a cinematic masterpiece. Directed by Rik Cordero, the members are not featured in the video–actors take the spotlight. The storyline follows a group of men being held captive, making their way through a violent march. Searching for survival, each man ends up finding individual fates. Always thought provoking, what do you think the guys are “saying” with this video? SOUND OFF!

Foxy Brown after a legally self imposed mainstream musical hiatus has finally announced she’s in preparation for her 5^th studio album.  Clad in a leather bandage ensemble—quite possibly from her glory days—Hip Hop’s Don Diva made the announcement during her recent performance at New York’s B.B. King Blues Club & Grill.  Her set included classic hits such as “Hot Spot,” “Get Me Home” and “Oh Yeah” featuring Spragga Benz.  If that wasn’t enough, the rapper along with her The Firm counterparts AZ and Cormega, performed “Phone Tap.” Word is the group is reforming—sans Nas of course.

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WE HAVE YOUR ACCESS TO ROCK THE BELLS 2010! - CLICK HERE  & ENTER TO WIN

We’ve teamed up with Guerilla Union to give you a chance to score tickets to Rock the Bells in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York and DC. All you have to do is enter-to-win, and you and a friend will be attending Rock the Bells to watch the all-star line-up that includes Snoop Dogg, A Tribe Called Quest, Wu-Tang Clan, and special guest Ms. Lauryn Hill. With over twenty acts slated to perform on two stages—you don’t want to miss this!

GET TICKETS:
Los Angeles, CA
Saturday, August 21, 2010
NOS Events Center

San Francisco, CA
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Shoreline Amphitheater

New York, NY
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Governer’s Island

Washington, DC
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Merriweather Post Pavilion

For more info, visit:
www.rockthebells.net
www.myspace.com/rockthebells
www.facebook.com/rockthebellsfestival
www.twitter.com/rockthebells

It seems Haitian-born Grammy nominated Entertainer, Producer and Humanitarian Wyclef Jean, is considering a run for presidency in his home country. Appointed Ambassador-At-Large for the nation in 2007, he is now approaching the end of his tenure just as the country’s current President Rene Preval, nears the end of his final term in office—with no possibility of re-election.

In a confirmed letter e-mailed from his family to the press, his family wrote: “Wyclef’s commitment to his homeland and its youth is boundless, and he will remain its greatest supporter regardless of whether he is part of the government moving forward … If and when a decision is made, media will be alerted immediately.”

Following the devastating January 12th earthquake which left the country of Haiti in turmoil and over 200,00 dead; Jean became recognized for the groundbreaking work he and his organization Yelé , were able to accomplish. The first black led independent country, has been no stranger to political corruption, poverty and violence.

This entire development, comes as a bit of a surprise following a recent interview Jean had with the Associated Press. “Do I have political intentions? At this time no.” Did Jean have a change of heart?  Think he has what it takes to help turn the nation of Haiti around? I guess we’ll have to wait for the alert.

This just seems so appropriate…

Wyclef Jean – If I Was President
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