J Hill has been making his rounds performing on the Washington, D.C. music scene. The singer/songwriter has put together an 8-track compilation of covers from  Frankie Beverly and Maze’s “Before I Let Go” to The Gap Band’s “Outstanding.”  Smooth, classic soul at its best. Peep the track listing below and download “Miscellaneous Covers” here.

1. God Is Love/Common’s Groove

2. Before I Let Go

3. Got To Give It Up

4. Play That Funky Music

5. Billie Jean

6. Outstanding

7. Let’s Stay Together

8. One Last Cry

Kickstarter has been a popular medium for artists to engage fans in the album making process.  Singer/songwriter Candice Anitra is the most recent to ask for fan support on her upcoming project “Big Tree.”  Armed with a voice that won’t quit and endless stage presence, it’s no doubt Candice will hit her goal. However, fans need to pledge in order to reap the fruits that “Big Tree” will produce. With 50 days remaining and a fund bank request of $10, 000 – anything is possible. Check out Candice’s Kickstarter page for more info.

Its been over decade since 90’s girl group Allure hit the Billboard Charts with their cover of Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam’s 1986 ”All Cried Out” —featuring 112—off their gold selling self-titled debut.  Originally a quartet, the group has scaled down to a trio and is back to reclaim there former glory with a new album set for release sometime this year. Check out this behind the scenes video of the girls at a recent promotional photoshoot.   

Jalyn is no stranger to working behind the scenes.  As a songwriter, composer and musician, he is quite the triple threat. The Bay area native, who has remixed songs for Kanye West, Maroon 5 and KO-S; is shifting gears and stepping in front of the mic with his single, “Summer of ‘88” from his album “Pushing Through Walls,” to be released in February. It’s a soul infused hip-hop ditty that will warm up any chilly winter day.

Jalyn – Summer Of ‘88

Ford model and powerhouse soulstress Maiysha, has returned from her musical hiatus and has teamed up with producer Scott Jacoby and students from East Fordham Academy for the Arts, to share in and spread the Christmas spirit. This collaboration was brought together by ASCAP as part of their Songwriting Residency, allowing students with the love of music and prose to get together and put their skills to work with a featured artist. The season is all about giving and receiving the spirit, which is exactly what Maiysha and the students accomplished with their holiday track.

The highly anticipated album “Bleuphoria” by Rashaan Patterson, has delivered a single that is sure to get your pulse going. “Easier Said Then Done” is a track full of synth melodies, funky guitar strums and plucks, offset by Rashaan’s infamous multi-faceted voice. With its catchy breakdown “Although you lie/I can’t make my mind up/baby I’m lovin you,” it is guaranteed you will be singing this song on a regular. Look out for “Bleuphoria” to be released April 26, 2011. The single is now available on iTunes and Amazon.

‘Tis the season to groove! Southern songstress (and belle) Collette has released “Keep Christmas Alive,” a holiday single that will evoke immediate yule tide bumps and sways. The tune has a simple message: keep the giving going 24/7 and 365 days a year,  rather than one day.

Look out for her upcoming EP “Coco By Request” in early Spring, followed by her sophomore album “Revolution.” Listen to the song below and download it here.

We first heard twin-sister duo Aaries on “Settle For My Love” off Musiq SoulChild’s debut album “Aijuswanaseing” in 2000. Now the musical pair is set for a return to the soul music spectrum and they are sprinting out the gate with “Don’t Give It Up.” The new single is a stellar tribute to the sounds of 70’s soul. If the music wasn’t enough the video comprised of classic moments from Soul Train will surely get you out of your seat. Check it out below:

N’Dambi’s album Pink Elephant—her first release with Stax Records— has a host of stellar joints to pick from. The new single, “Nobody Jones,” is a tale of a young woman off to follow the glare of the big lights and live in the big city. Watching N’Dambi saunter down the rugged streets in her no-nonsense heels—with vibrant attitude in tow—proves she has the look and vocal prowess of a star. Down to earth, chic, contemplative and armed with a plan to live out her dreams. Check the video below.   

There’s been quite a lot of buzz about Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Anthony David for the past few days. It’s not enough First Lady Michelle Obama raved about his music awhile back, but she did one better and passed the good vibes to her hubby, The President of the United States, who has now one of David’s supporters. Well it seems President Obama will be updating his iPod. Anthony is releasing his EP “The Setup” ready to hit iTunes and other outlets November 23^rd.  The live EP is simply to wet your appetite and prepare listeners for the feature length album “As Above, So Below” out in February. Catch the track listing below and be sure to preorder “The Setup”:

1. Let Me In

2. Find Your Love

3. Girlfriend

4. 4evermore (feat. Algebra)

5. Body Language

6. Kinfolk/Georgia Peach (Medley)

7. Cold Turkey (feat. Brandon Thomas)

Pre-order the set up on iTunes here.

- Ann Marie Collymore