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New Video: Mateo’s “How Good Is Your Love”
June 12th, 2013
Mateo wasn’t always singing the same tune. Born into a musical family, the Cincinnati, OH native witnessed the trials and tribulations endured by the musicians in his family and decided to travel a different path. Yet after graduating from college and spending a year at a normal 9-5 job, he found his heart yearning for more. He started writing/recording music and performing during his off hours which he often referred to as his “5-9.” Match set and fire brewing, Mateo soon packed up and moved to LA to pursue his 5-9 passion full-time…
Mateo first gained recognition and popularity through the release of several mixtapes. Garnering over a million views on YouTube, he solidified a fan base eager for his material. Intrigued by his sound and authentic voice, Grammy-award winning producer Kerry “Krucial” Brothers (Alicia Keys, Nas, Drake) took notice and soon began working with the young artist, helping him to mold his style. Also impressed was R&B star, Alicia Keys, who joined Mateo on “Say Its So,” from the Love & Stadiums II mixtape, becoming one of his biggest supporters.
Mateo has since witnessed the success of his October 2012 release, Suite 823 (Krucial Noise/Interscope Records) and is fresh off his first national tour, where he opened for Keyshia Cole and Chrisette Michele. Showing no signs of letting up, he just released his latest single and video, “How Good Is Your Love,” just in time for the summer.
New Video: Mindless Behavior’s “Used To Be”
June 12th, 2013
Mindless Behavior’s All Around the World tour kicks off on July 3rd! See dates below and check out their brand new video for the single “Used To Be.”
MB Tour Dates!
Wed. Jul. 3 Stockton, CA Bob Hope Theatre
Fri. Jul. 5 Oakland, CA Paramount Theatre
Sat. Jul. 6 Los Angeles, CA Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE
Tue. Jul. 9 Kansas City, MO The Midland by AMC
Wed. Jul. 10 St Louis, MO Peabody Opera House
Fri. Jul. 12 Portsmouth, VA nTelos Wireless Pavilion
Sat. Jul. 13 New York, NY Beacon Theatre
Sun. Jul. 14 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center
Wed. Jul. 17 Columbia, SC Township Auditorium
Thu. Jul. 18 Birmingham, AL BJCC Concert Hall
Fri. Jul. 19 Southaven, MS Landers Center
Sat. Jul. 20 Atlanta, GA Fox Theatre
Thu. Jul. 25 Baltimore, MD Pier Six Concert Pavilion
Fri. Jul. 26 Washington D.C. DAR Constitution Hall
Sun. Jul. 28 Philadelphia, PA Mann Center
Fri. Aug. 2 Detroit, MI Fox Theatre
Sat. Aug. 3 Chicago, IL Arie Crown Theater**
Sun. Aug. 4 Milwaukee, WI Milwaukee Theatre
Thu. Aug. 8 Augusta, GA The Bell Auditorium
Fri. Aug. 9 Jacksonville, FL Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts Moran Theater
Sat. Aug. 10 Miami, FL James L. Knight Center
Sun. Aug. 11 Tampa, FL Straz Center for the Performing Arts**
Thu. Aug. 15 Mobile, AL Mobile Civic Center
Fri. Aug. 16 New Orleans, LA UNO Lakefront Arena
Sat. Aug. 17 Dallas/Grand Prairie, TX Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie**
Sun. Aug. 18 Houston, TX Reliant Arena
**Coco Jones Not Performing
Interview Series: Chris Richardson from American Idol to Ca$h Money
June 11th, 2013
Chris Richardson began formally following his dream when he appeared on the 2007 season of American Idol. With an inimitable presence and soulful delivery, he landed in the show’s top five and captured the hearts of audiences everywhere during the “American Idols” tour. He didn’t stop after Idol though. He spent four years perfecting his craft and writing. In 2010, Richardson signed to Cash Money …Records to build to their already successful pop roster. Now, he’s begun tenaciously working on what will become his full-length debut for the label. In the meantime, he’s lending his vibrant, vivacious vocals to Tyga’s single “Far Away” and collaborating with other chart-topping acts. Richardson’s dream is only just beginning to come true.
For Richardson, making records requires a delicate balance of soul, rock, and R&B. While growing up the son of a military dad in Virginia Beach, he immersed himself in everything from Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder to The Eagles and Aerosmith. Along the way—from singing into his trash can at five-years-old to auditioning on Idolat 23—Richardson built his own style. He sums up the sound best saying, “It’s blue-eyed soul, but there’s an organic feel to the music. I love to mix the soulful and rock sides.”
Entering the Cash Money Records family, he has come to create and push boundaries by collaborating with a myriad of artists.
Recently Chris spoke to Aries from UrbanBridgez.com about his upcoming debut album, his current single “Joy & Pain,” signing with Ca$h Money, his disappointment with the after-math of American Idol and much more!
UrbanBridgez: Let’s start by talking about this debut album you’re currently finishing, tell us what we can expect?
Chris Richardson: Man this has been a collective album for the last ten years of my life. We have a lot of different producers on the album and some have more songs than others. This album is a roller coaster, it’s a mixture of music that I love. It blends some hard hitting urban drums in with the organic live stuff that I like. It’s a pop album, it takes you into a lot of different journey’s I’ve went through, being that I’m a songwriter. I’ve been through a lot of stuff so hopefully it comes across on the album.
UrbanBridgez: Nice! The joint you have out now with Tyga “Joy & Pain” is doing good, what made you go with that for the lead single?
Chris Richardson: That was more of a collective talk with me and the label. We thought it had a good concept and a great melody structure and story behind it. Of course Tyga returned the favor for me doing Far Away with him last year. So it’s kind of cool that he jumped on this one and it’s always good to have a different angle and different light to add on to a song. There’s not a lot of stuff being played like Joy & Pain, it’s really open. It’s cool to have the beats and everything like that, but it’s also great to showcase the story and what we’re actually talking about through the music.
UrbanBridgez: What else you have coming up before the albums release?
Chris Richardson: I just want to get the voice out there and get people to attach a whole to the artistry and who I am as an artist. I’m lucky I have a really cool label to push me out there. I’m blessed because it’s really hard to make it as a solo artist. It really is about getting with the right people to put your music on the big scale. Independent labels and artists have seem to have taken over the last ten years, but at the same time you still need a push and a major push behind you. And people that are going to actually believe in your product. I’m just trying to ride this train and get this music out there. I’ve been doing this for 15 years, that makes me sound old but at the same time I started young you know. With songwriting and of course trying to make it in the business. Being on American Idol and the loop with that, I thought more was going to come from that situation and it didn’t. I just worked my ass off after the show was done and found my way over to a label that I felt could really push the product. I’m mature now and of course with knowledge, so I think it’s the perfect time for me to be getting ready to finally be putting out my first record. I hold a lot of pride to the album.
UrbanBridgez: Speaking of your label, what made you decide to sign with Ca$h Money?
Chris Richardson: Just from when I went down there for the first time and they introduced them to my music. Just the excitement, the energy to the work ethic. I knew it was a place for me because a lot of solo artists are very unorthodox, we’re out there creating ourselves that we want someone to be behind us to be like yeah we see what you’re talking about. That doesn’t happen often, specially immediately going into the situation and them being like we’re behind you. It’s almost like a complete selling point, it’s like you go in and you’re buying a car and they only have to say one word…man this thing is fast and you’re like sold! I went in there and they were like you’re great, you’re going to be a star and I was sold from there. For them to be behind the project before even getting to know everything about me, I think that’s a lot to be said with this label. That’s ultimately what made me sign with the label. It’s a label that I grew up to and I seen them branching out to be open about their artistry. They’re a business, they’re smart. They’re doing different kinds of music like now they’re venturing into Country. It’s cool because they’re excited to get new things started so that means they’re excited to get me started as well.
UrbanBridgez: You mentioned not getting as much out of American Idol as you thought you would, what was the biggest lesson you learned from that experience?
Chris Richardson: I tell everybody this man, that whole American Idol journey is like a quick 101 to the entertainment business. It throws you into the feeding pit, in front of cameras, on red carpets, interviews and if you’ve never done those before, you’re just kind of sitting there with a spooked face. You’re sitting there trying to learn, I know from being thrown into those scenarios, over and over and over again. Forced to ask questions and stuff like that, it’s defiantly helped me to be more comfortable in those situations. Just to get to see things on a bigger scale, I mean we went on a 60 city tour that literally sold-out everywhere we went. We were out there performing like we were the Rolling Stones, and we were just the top 10 on American Idol. There was so much involved with it that we didn’t get to see because all we were doing every week was just showing up on the stage & singing a song followed by a few press things. It’s given me structure to be able to hold conversations, answer questions, play to the cameras and not be nervous. So it was a good tool in this whole learning process, I’ll give it that. However what they did for me after that, they didn’t really do to much for me. I just took the experience for what they did for me more than anything else.
UrbanBridgez: Who are some artists right now that you’re feeling outside of your label-mates?
Chris Richardson: I’m really into Miguel, I love his stuff. I’m always a Maroon 5 supporter, the Chilli Peppers, even though they haven’t put out stuff in awhile. I like Big Sean and his craft, Cher Lloyd is kind of slick. I met her in person and she’s cool, I like her vibe.
UrbanBridgez: Outside of music is there anything else you’re working on?
Chris Richardson: Everything, you name it! I got a hat line called Stateline that will be out 2013. It’s been put together for awhile now, I’m really into hats and have always collected them. I’m into extreme sports, from skydiving, racing, boating, bikes, you name it. I just love that whole extreme living on the edge…cliché Y.O.L.O. (both laugh). I just like enjoying life and I’m always being creative from like video editing, to pictures. My hat line is basically all based off of hand drawn pictures. They’re one of a kind, original designs, of course they will be reproduced being hats but they started from the actual mind instead of just graphics. I also plan to venture into some other things once my career progresses, I just like to keep my hands in different pots.
UrbanBridgez: That’s great to hear! Do you have anything you want to leave with your fans before we wrap up?
Chris Richardson: Just check out my latest single Joy & Pain, my site chrisrichardsonmusic.com, follow me on Twitter and look for some new music to drop! Either features or another single. Stay tuned!
MC Lyte, Rage, YoYo, Smooth, Monie Love & Lil Mama To Relaunch Careers in New BET Docu-Drama “Hip Hop Sisters”
June 11th, 2013
On the heels of a successful spring programming season, BET Networks announced today its development slate which includes four new unscripted pilots for next season. The pilots join hit comedies like “The Game” and “Let’s Stay Together” which have commanded African American households for three straight seasons. Each project displays the thrills and triumphs of ‘second chances’ experienced through transformations of one’s health, spirit, career and character. BET brings viewers the ups and downs of real life drama, while invigorating the spirit and inspiring viewers to reinvent themselves.
SHOWS IN DEVELOPMENT
BACK TO ME WITH JEANETTE JENKINS gives participants the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to remove their roadblocks and start a journey back to healthy living. Every week, two subjects will be chosen based on their home video submission to have their bodies and lives transformed by celebrity trainer Jeanette Jenkins – the trainer behind many of the hottest bodies in Hollywood including: Kelly Rowland, Tia Mowry, Paula Patton and Robin Thicke. From their first day surprise by Jeanette until their final reveal, the participants will be empowered to remove all of their past excuses & tap into their greatness – resulting in a much-improved mind, body & spirit. Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil executive produce along with Lisa Haese (The Biggest Loser) and Jeanette Jenkins.
HIP HOP SISTERS is a docu-drama following the re-launch of six female rappers’ careers. MC Lyte, The Lady of Rage, Yo Yo, Smooth, Monie Love, and Lil Mama join forces and declare themselves – The Hip Hop Sisters. Their goal is to reclaim their titles as The Queens of Hip Hop – as they manage their drama-filled personal careers and lives and search for the next great female MC. MC Lyte joins Lemmuel Plummer (Vindicated, The Sheards) as Executive Producer.
GONE GOSPEL is one hour music competition docu-series that takes popular musical artists of yesteryear and immerses them in a Gospel boot camp, giving them a second chance to dig deep and transform their lives as they write their own personal inspirational anthem. In each episode, the cast members will be mentored by Gospel greats as they compete against each other in challenges that will test them musically and emotionally. At the end of the journey, one winner will be crowned. GONE GOSPEL is hosted by award winning producer and Gospel artist Kirk Franklin. Franklin also serves as Executive Producer alongside Marilyn Gill (Sunday Best, The Mo’Nique Show).
INTERNAL AFFAIRS chronicles the fascinating true-crime stories of internal affairs officers. It presents a series of stunning human dramas as officers face the most daunting personal challenges of their lives. Investigating officers can find themselves ostracized and shunned by their peers. The discovery of their colleagues’ criminal activities haunts them and takes them to places they’ve never anticipated. At the same time, their dedication to law enforcement brings with it the commitment to treat these criminals as any other. It’s these emotional human elements combined with high-stakes criminal investigations that makes Internal Affairs unique, compelling and provocative. Produced in partnership with Fox Television Studios, the series is being executive produced by Ted Haimes (The Locator, Aftermath).
Interview Series: Brian McKnight Speaks to UB About New Album & Real R&B
June 10th, 2013
As an artist who needs no introduction, Brian McKnight has earned himself a spot in contemporary music history. He has released 13 albums to date, 7 of them have gone platinum, with several going 2 and 3x platinum, and he has sold over 20 million albums worldwide. McKnight is also a multi-instrumentalist who plays nine instruments including piano, guitar, bass, drums, percussions, trombone, tuba, flugelhorn and trumpet.
In an industry known for a constantly revolving door of artists, McKnight has easily established himself with an enviable record of chart consistency, has toured successfully for over a decade, and has collaborated with performers across every genre including Quincy Jones, Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey, Diddy, Christina Aguilera, Justin Bieber, Rascal Flatts, Nelly, Vanessa Williams, Willie Nelson and Kenny G.
Born in Buffalo, New York, Brian’s musical career began in childhood when he became a member of his church, NY choir and a band leader for his high school, Sweet Home High School. By the age of 19, he signed his first recording deal with Mercury Records subsidiary, Wing Records. In 1992, his self-titled album “Brian McKnight” was released followed by “I Remember You” (1995) and “Anytime” (1997). Anytime sold over two million copies and was nominated for a Grammy. In 1999, McKnight released Back at One on Motown Records, which sold over three million copies.
Along with several Grammy nominations, Brian McKnight has been the recipient of American Music Awards, Soul Train Awards, NAACP Image and Blockbuster Awards, and Billboard Songwriter of The Year. He has crossed the boundaries of EVERY medium. He has hosted “Soul Session Countdown with Brian McKnight” on BETJ. In addition, “The Brian McKnight Morning Show” on KTWV the Wave Smooth Jazz radio station, was a Top 5 rated show 2 years running. In 2009 Brian started hosting his own radio show “The Brian McKnight Show” which ran in over 60 markets and was syndicated through ABC Radio. Brian also hosted his own nationally syndicated TV show “The Brian McKnight Show”.
Brian recently spoke to Aries from UrbanBridgez.com about his new album “More Than Words,” his accomplishments, industry politics, real R&B, his list of essential R&B albums and much more!
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UrbanBridgez.com: First off tell us about the new album and what separates “More Than Words” from your previous releases?
Brian McKnight: I think the only difference is this album comes from a place that’s a little different. It’s a little faster, a little more fun. Not a lot of really slow ballads on this one. Because that’s not really where I am in my life. I’m just at a point where everything is real cool and happy. Well I wouldn’t say happy because that would be taking it a little to the extreme. But not where I’ve been typically, I’m just at a really good place.
UrbanBridgez.com: What was your goal when you went in to record this album?
Brian McKnight: I stopped doing that awhile ago. I think when you start setting goals for what it’s going to do…I just hope people listen to it and like to listen to anything that I do without some sort of prejudice. Just listen and if it’s good, it’s good. If it’s not, I can take that too. Sometimes people put you in a box, then you stay in a box and people have to grow. I’m not going to veer too far away but you know, hopefully they listen and get something out of it.
UrbanBridgez.com: Sweeter is heating up, what made you decide that should be the lead single?
Brian McKnight: Oh yeah as if anybody thinks an artist has a say so in what they want to go with, then they need to go back to music business 101 (both laugh). It doesn’t matter that much to me, I mean I may have gone another way but the folks that decide what single is going to be released are the ones who actually have to go out there and work the single. So you kind of have to leave some of that up to them.
UrbanBridgez.com: Do you know what they’ve decided for the next single?
Brian McKnight: Do people actually second singles these days?
UrbanBridgez.com: Very true, it’s like one and maybe two.
Brian McKnight: I’ve done three videos and of course the label doesn’t want me to do any of that and release them. But for me because of social media and the way things are, the more you give…you have to get as many people as you can. And whatever you can do with the label, as much as you can it’s a good thing.
UrbanBridgez.com: What would you say has been the biggest accomplishment to you in your career thus far?
Brian McKnight: Still being here and still being around. You know, I think that speaks volumes more than any award. People are still wanting to listen and a lot of people don’t get 10 years and I’m 21 in. Actually 24 from when I started and 21 since my first CD. I’m thankful for that every day!
UrbanBridgez.com: As a songwriter, what method if any do you have when you sit down to pen a song?
Brian McKnight: No man, it just comes out. I wish there was some way I could tell people the way it happens. Just throughout the day, I’ve got all these things in my head, by the end of the day I’ll end up with something that didn’t exist that morning. That’s the best way I can explain it.
UrbanBridgez.com: With June being black music month, off the top of your head, what would you say are your top 3 essential R&B albums that everybody should own?
Brian McKnight: Wow that’s tough, not because there are so many but because what do people think R&B is? So if I was going to say I would say, Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On, anything by Stevie Wonder and maybe anything by James Brown. Because I don’t really consider a lot of music after maybe like the 80’s real R&B. Not as traditional R&B, but not to get too technical I would choose those.
UrbanBridgez.com: Who are some newer artists that Brian McKnight is a fan of?
Brian McKnight: What’s interesting is I hear songs all the time and I’m like that’s a cool song, it’s just hard to know who they are. I think of the newer people Chris Brown is at the top of that list. Because he can do so much as far as be an actor, being able to sing and dance and entertain. I wouldn’t consider Ne-Yo new because he’s been around for awhile. But he’s at the top of the list as well for being a songwriter and being on the cutting edge of what’s happening out here.
UrbanBridgez.com: You got amazing reviews recently for your NY show, when can fans expect a full out tour in support of this release?
Brian McKnight: We’re working on that now, most likely the fall. But I’m always on tour, but the national tour will be the fall.
UrbanBridgez.com: Any last words for your fans before we wrap?
Brian McKnight: Just thank you! I get to live me dream everyday and not because of what I do necessary. But because there are people out there who continue to support me. So it’s always about gratitude.
Mint Condition’s Stokely Delivers “Midas Touch” To New Wale Single
June 10th, 2013
One of the industry’s more interesting qualities is its uncanny ability to produce those few innovative producer/musician/songwriter collaborations that bring a unique “something special” to whatever music project they are working on. They have an unequaled degree of persona, innovative ideas, and represent a certain unexplained vision of life and music that the masses can identify with. Not complacent with just being the front man for multi-platinum R&B Super group Mint Condition, Stokley Williams known as Stokley, is adding a new chapter to his career as a Producer and this music wunderkind’s goal is to bring “the musicality back to music”.
Currently, Stokley is one of the selected team of producers for the Award-Winning Hip Hop Artist, Wale and his new single, “LoveHate Thing” featuring Sam Dew. The new single is from Wale’s upcoming new album release, THE GIFTED on Atlantic Records set for release June 25th. “LoveHate Thing” is currently the #1 Most Added and #1 Greatest Airplay Gainer on Urban Radio. One of the most recognized vocalists of his generation, Stokley was also tapped to co-produce five additional songs on Wale’s new album that features Meek Mill, Cee Lo Green and Jerry Seinfield. Stokley also lends his signature lead vocals on the introductory song, “The Curse of The Gifted” on the long awaited THE GIFTED album from the rapper. Noted music industry insiders are “buzzing” that the production on Wale’s new project might just catapult his career to a whole new level in 2013.
Stokley has certainly rubbed shoulders with such R&B and Pop Music royalty as Prince, Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, Usher, Janet Jackson, Luther Vandross, Jill Scott, Toni Braxton, Yolanda Adams, Sheila E., Robert Glasper, to name a few, be it through background vocals, tours and/or studio sessions playing drums.
Production has been limited in the past for the lead signature vocalist of one of our most celebrated R&B/Pop bands, MINT CONDITION because of a busy touring schedule. Only recently has he started to focus on producing & writing for other artists. Other than offering up production on Jill Scott’s 2007 “The Real Thing” CD, Stokley’s outside production has been relatively quiet until now. His co-production with Lawrence Waddell & duet with Kelly Price on “Not My Daddy” was not only was a chart topper, but also earned Stokley his first Grammy Award Nomination in 2012.
According to Stokley, “As a producer, I’m looking for the musicality in the music. There are a lot of genre’s to choose from & I wanna continue to mesh them together with live & electronic instrumentation in a way that makes sense, There’s a lot of music out here, I’m just trying to give a different dynamic that will help inspire the artist to wanna sing or express themselves in ways they haven’t before. A lot of times you may just have 2 sections in a song & sometimes that’s all it needs. I just tend to like intro’s, vamps, bridge’s, outro’s, uncommon quirky sounds, etc. Still making it accessible for the listener may be a challenge sometimes but I think we all should welcome that challenge, both artist & consumers.
Music Industry Veteran, Al Manerson says, “The doors are opening to Stokley & MINT not just in the R&B or Hip Hop genre, but also the pop arena due to the fact that the Katy Perry’s and the Adele’s are looking for more musicianship. This is the first time that Mint Condition has been concentrating on working outside of their fortress and Stokley is leading the way.”
Angela Bassett & Gabrielle Union: First Announced As BET Awards ’13 Presenters
June 7th, 2013
Leading Hollywood actresses Angela Bassett and Gabrielle Union are the first announced presenters added to the BET Awards ’13. Hosted by actor and comedian Chris Tucker, Hollywood’s biggest stars will come together to celebrate the accomplishments of their peers in music, sports and film, at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 30th at 8pm *ET/PT.
Previously announced performers at this year’s highly anticipated BET Awards ‘13 will include platinum-selling and award-winning recording artists R. Kelly, Chris Brown and Miguel. Adding to the most exciting Awards show yet, Miami Heat basketball star Dwyane Wade was recently announced as the honoree for the Humanitarian Awardpresented by State Farm, and Charlie Wilson will receive the prestigiousCadillac Lifetime Achievement Award.
This year, the festivities and excitement expands with the first-ever BET Experience at L.A. LIVE! The three-day weekend is filled with comedy, gospel and soulful music concerts, seminars, film screenings, “106 & PARK” tapings and so much.
GRAMMY® Award-winning hip-hop soul group The Roots, will hit the stage to perform on Saturday, June 29 at Club Nokia during the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE. The Roots will delight fans with their classic hits and new material at this intimate concert. In addition, they will curate a one-time-only hip-hop experience with some very special guests. Joining the legendary Roots crew will be multiple GRAMMY® Award-winner and hip-hop icon Nelly; GRAMMY® Award-winning artist/songwriter and actress Eve; hip-hop pioneer, DJ and actress MC Lyte; and West Coast rap innovator, Too $hort.
This year for the first time, the general public can purchase tickets to the BET Awards with a BET Experience VIP Package, which also includes 3-day tickets to nightly concerts at the Staples Center. http://www.axs.com/betexperience.
Trey Songz & KEM Assist Ronald Isley on New July 16th Release “This Song Is For You”
June 6th, 2013
Musical legend Ronald Isley is set to release his new studio album, This Song Is For You, on July 16th. The album features 13 songs which showcase the unique sound that has kept Ronald Isley in the spotlight for over five decades. The first single, a slow jam about asking a beautiful woman to go on a first date, is titled “Dinner and a Movie,” and was number #1 most added at urban AC radio last week.
Isley, as part of the Isley brothers, released the dance anthem “Shout” in 1959. This hit was followed by “It’s Your Thing,” “Twist and Shout,” “This Old Heart of Mine,” and more. After forming the T-Neck label to maintain better control over their recordings, the Isleys charted more than 20 pop titles in the ‘70s (and nearly twice that many on the R&B side) with hits like Stephen Stills’ “Love The One You’re With,” “That Lady,” Seals & Crofts’ “Summer Breeze,” “Harvest for the World,” “Fight The Power Part 1,” “For The Love of You,” “The Pride,” “Take Me To the Next Phase,” and “I Wanna Be With You,” among many others. The next few decades saw more hits by The Isley Brothers, including “Between The Sheets,” and “Don’t Say Goodnight (It’s Time For Love).”
In 2003, Ronald Isley released an acclaimed album with songwriting legend Burt Bacharach titled, “Here I Am: Bacharach Meets Isley.” Isley has also had a long-standing collaboration with R. Kelly, who produced and wrote material for Isley in the mid ‘90s and early ‘00s. Isley also sang hooks on tracks for R. Kelly, as well as hip-hop acts such as Warren G., 2Pac and UGK.
Isley will tour this summer with Frankie Beverly and Kem. Look for tour dates to be announced soon.
Official Tracklisting!
1. “This Song is For You”
2. “Dinner and a Movie”
3. “My Favorite Thing” featuring Kem
4. “The Boss”
5. “Bed Time”
6. “Another Night”
7. “Lay you Down” [intro]
8. “Lay You Down” featuring Trey Songz
9. “Reunion”
10. “He Won’t Ever Love You”
11. “Better or Worse”
12. “Let’s Be Alone”
13. “Make Love to Your Soul”
Chaka Khan Cancels Four Concerts Dates in June
June 5th, 2013
Chaka Khan Enterprises announced today that Khan has had to cancel four concert dates in June due to extended vocal rest ordered by her doctor. The concert dates include, The Capital Jazz Festival at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD (Saturday, June 8); the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, held outdoors in the downtown Cultural District in Pittsburg, PA (June 9); an appearance with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra at Columbus Commons in Columbus, OH (June 14) and Joni: A Portrait in Song at Massey Hall in Toronto, Canada (June 18 and 19).
However, Khan will attend the Apollo Spring Gala in her honor on Monday, June 10, at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York. The Apollo will induct Chaka Khan into the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame at its 8th Annual Spring Gala Benefit. GRAMMY® award-winning artist Erykah Badu will present Khan, one of American music’s most vital icons, with the Apollo’s highest honor. In addition, the program will include special tribute performances by Patti LaBelle, Mary J. Blige and Deborah Cox. Time Warner, Inc. will accept the Apollo’s 2013 Corporate Award, presented by actress Sarah Jessica Parker. Carol’s Daughter Founder & President Lisa Price will receive the Percy E. Sutton Civic Leadership Award. Celebrated Emmy award-winning entertainer, Wayne Brady, will host the evening.
Khan’s forthcoming album, The iKhan Project: Alive, originally scheduled for release on July 2, has been rescheduled for release in the Fall 2013. “Due to her doctor’s orders, it’s best that we move the date to give her the proper and adequate time to promote and market the new album,” says Khan’s manager, Tammy McCrary of Chaka Khan Management and Enterprises. “We are looking forward to a great project and a very robust concert and tour schedule this fall.”
This year, 2013, marks the 40th anniversary of Chaka’s career in music and entertainment. The celebration will include the release of a series of new albums, titled The iKhan Project. The iKhan Project series will include recorded music in eight genres, including R&B, jazz, pop, rock, gospel, country, classical and dance music.