The Steve Harvey show—while a television sitcom—showed that music in schools can postively shape the minds of students. Over the years music has been linked to children getting higher scores on standardized tests (especially math).  Due to the nation’s rocky economy, school budgets have gotten cut drastically. Unfortuantely, music and art programs are typically the first things to go regardless of its impact on the students. The importance of music goes beyond the classroom and performances though, acting as an agent for discipline among middle school and high school students.

The prestigious Soul Tigers Marching Band of Brooklyn, NY will become the latest victim of budget cuts.  Musical Director Kenyatte Hughes— was once a member of the band himself—is determined to raise money to keep the band going.  ”Without the program these kids will end up on the streets,” Hughes said.

The Soul Tigers have been featured in a Tommy Hilfiger commercial, opened the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and performed at the historic Apollo Theater.  Not to mention the attention of a bevy of celebrities (see T.I pictured with members above) Why let such success go in vain? If you want to see the Soul Tigers continue to grow you can make a donation at soultigers.webs.com.

Tune into “The Steve Harvey Show” today at 1PM EST only on Centric.

Singer-songwriter and soon to be pop sensation Bruno Mars is talented, attractive, and the latest celebrity that has tried to live above the law.  This past weekend after playing a show at Las Vegas’ Hard Rock Casino, Mars (born Peter Hernandez) was apprehended by hotel security and arrested by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police who found 2.6 grams of what appeared to be cocaine.

Before making a splash in the spotlight on the hooks of B.o.B.’s “Nothin’ On You” (a Centric “20 to 1 Countdown” favorite) and Travie McCoy’s “Billionaire,” Mars wrote and produced hits for Flo Rida, Adam Levine, Brandy, and Sean Kingston.  Now, he’s taking the reigns of his solo career with his first official solo single, “Just The Way You Are.” 

Hopefully Bruno can avoid criminal charges, but if he can’t this rising star will be due in court on November 18. OUCH. Until then tune in daily for ”Centric Hits” at 9AM EST.

“Nice and Slow” is far from how Usher’s career has progressed. Since his 1997 sophomore album My Way—his 1994 debut self-titled album wasn’t a huge success— Usher has been fortunate to score a staggering five multiplatinum albums. For over 15 years, fans have seen the singer experience highs (marriage, birth of children) and lows (public dismissal of his mother as his manager—who he later re-hired, and divorce).

His evolution as a man and artist has been an amazing thing for his legion of fans to witness. But even for the most die hard of Usher stans, there are still things that you probably aren’t aware of. Are you ready for the challenge?

http://www.dailymotion.com/videox175dq

1. Where was Usher born?

a. Atlanta, GA  b. Houston, TX  c. Chattanooga, TN

2.  What pop superstar did Usher discover and sign to his US record label?

a. Justin Bieber  b.  Justin Timberlake  c.  Miley Cyrus

3.  What’s the name of the summer camp that Usher has been hosting in Atlanta since 2005?

a.  Camp Rising Sun  b. Camp New Look  c.  Camp My Way

4.  What NBA franchise is Usher a part owner of?

a.  Atlanta Hawks  b.  Cleveland Caveliers  c.  Chicago Bulls

5.  Which one of Usher’s albums was named the best selling R&B album of the 2000’s?

a. 8701  b.  Confessions  c. Here I Stand

Stumped and need a little help? Tune in tonight at 7PM EST to catch “Behind the Music: Usher.”

Read the rest of this entry »

The 2000 film Bait starring Jamie Foxx and David Morse—while not a major cinematic gem—was coupled with one of the best R&B and rap soundtracks from the year.  Comprised of songs from Fat Joe, Total, Nelly, and Jamie Foxx himself; the soundtrack did relatively well on the Billboard charts. But one song that caught major traction was “Free” sang by Grammy-award winning singer Mya.

http://www.dailymotion.com/videox7zqwr

A native of Washington, D.C., Mya ’s 1998 self-titled debut album went platinum and spawned the hit single “It’s All About Me” featuring Sisqo and “Movin’ On” featuring rapper Silkk The Shocker.  Her second album Fear of Flying spawned the hit “Case of the Ex” and her third album Moodring did fairly well with the sexy hit “My Love Is Like… Wo” and the radio friendly ballad, “Fallen.”

Since her last album the multitalented singer, dancer, producer, and songwriter has released a mixtape titled Beauty and The Street Vol. 1, competed on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars,” and been heavily involved with philantropy related to AIDS research, breast cancer, disadvantaged youth, and relief efforts revolving around Haiti.

To hear Mya’s Retro Centric groove “Free” and see Jamie Foxx in Bait tune in today at 3PM EST.

Trey Songz may just be having the best week ever.  First he announced that he’ll be joining Usher on his “OMG” tour later this fall, then on Tuesday his latest album “Passion, Pain, & Pleasure” dropped. To top it all off, yesterday BET’s “106 & Park” dedicated their entire show to Trey Songz, renaming it “106 & Trey.”

In the midst of his near two hours with Terrence J and Rocsi Diaz, and a ton of surprise guests including Serena Williams and Diddy, the self-proclaimed “Mr. Steal Your Girl” debuted his newest video for his latest single, “Cant’ Be Friends.”

Directed by the innovative Anthony Mandler, the video taps into visualizing unrequited love .  The visuals combined with Trey Songz’s vulnerable vocals and you have a winner amongst the female set.

If you’d like to see “Can’t Be Friends” make it onto Centric’s “20 to 1 Countdown” next week, log on to centrictv.com and VOTE.

Keri Hilson is no stranger to holding her own in an industry that is dominated by men. Her songs have always been full of the notion that she is in control of every aspect of her life—business and personal.  Hilson released a new single this week, “Still A Girl” and it has her singing to a slightly different tune.

The song—of which will be on Hilson’s forthcoming album, Breaking Point—explains the emotions most women feel when they’re trying not to be vulnerable with their lover. Hilson’s, “Still A Girl” has the tempo and emotion of Beyonce’s “If I Were A Boy” with the edgy elements like that of Ciara’s “Like A Boy”—making for a concept that isn’t that original.

If “Still A Girl” is the direction that Breaking Point is going, it will be interesting to see how things progress.

Listen to the Track HERE

Don’t forget Keri is on Centric’s 20 to 1 Countdown with her feature on T.I’s “I Got Your Back.” If you want to see her on top, VOTE today and tune in on Friday at 9AM EST to see where she lands.

Attention Ladies (and gents—we don’t discriminate): Get ready for some drool and swoon inducing news:

A few weeks ago, rumors swirled the internet that Chris Brown and Usher would be hitting the road together on a tour this fall, but those rumors were quickly put to rest. And while fans were disappointed, it opened the door for another R&B prince to slide in.

On  Sunday night’s MTV Video Music Awards, Trey Songz introduced Usher’s performance, and slipped in the news that he would be opening for Usher’s “O.M.G.” tour.

While Trey isn’t a dancing machine on stage, he’s a crooner that will be able to warm up the audience—amongst other things—for Mr. Raymond.

Oh, and don’t forget to vote for Chris Brown, Trey Songz, or Usher on Centric’s 20 to 1 Countdown this week.  The countdown goes down on Friday morning at 9AM EST, so be sure to VOTE before then.

Growing up in Mount Vernon, New York, just outside of the city that never sleeps, Al B. Sure! is one artist that all late 70’s and early 80’s babies listen to, appreciate, and sing along to whenever they hear him.

Sure! rose to fame during the New Jack Swing era of R&B in the late 80’s and early 90’s with his classic, “Nite and Day” which he followed up with the singles “Off On Your Own (Girl)” and the Quincy Jones ballad ”Secret Garden.”  His fame and talent as a singer also extended to the realm of songwriting where he penned and produced songs for successful R&B acts like Jodeci, Tevin Campbell, Faith Evans, and Case.

Over time Al B. Sure! has kept himself relevant as a radio DJ spinning classic R&B hits, not to mention a recent stint on a cable television show (that shall remain nameless).

For more video throwbacks, tune in every morning at 8AM EST to “Retro Centric”.

The ladies love him, his looks are incredible, and his talent is undeniable.  LL Cool J has been a staple in music culture since 1985. In over two decades this Queens-bred rapper/actor/author and business man has managed to stay relevant and he isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. Did you hear about his new role on CBS’s NCIS: Los Angeles? If you’re a die hard fan, we’re sure you did. But we want to test your knowledge on all things LL…

1.  What is LL Cool J’s birth name?

a. Thomas Edward Smith  b.  James Thomas Smith  c. James Todd Smith

2. What year did LL Cool J release the album that spawned the hit single “Mama Said Knock You Out”?

a. 1987  b. 1990  c. 1992

3.  How many albums has LL Cool J made?

a. 10  b.  13  c. 16

4.  How many books has LL Cool J released?

a. 4  b. 2  c. 1

5.  What was LL Cool J’s character’s name in Deep Blue Sea?

a. Dre Ellis  b. Sherman “Preacher” Dudley  c. Ray Adams

Catch LL Cool J in Deep Blue Sea today at 2:30 PM EST only on Centric. Read the rest of this entry »

A Detroit native and a student of R&B/Soul, Dwele is blending modern day R&B with the classic sounds of Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder; to make his brand of music something to take notice of.

With several collaborations with Kanye West, Common, Slum Village and the late Dilla; its obvious the singer has no problem fusing Hip-Hop into many of his albums.

Dwele’s latest single “What’s Not To Love” has been making moves on Centric’s “20 to 1 Countdown“. Want to see it grab the #1 spot? Don’t forget to VOTE.