R.Kelly : Rated R
With child pornography charges and the possibility of jail time looming, it would seem that R. Kelly would not have much to smile about,. but leave it up to R&Bs Pied Piper to find a way to remain upbeat while dodging the long arm of the law. Fans not only read about Kelly in […]

AHH ALTERNATIVES YEAR IN REVIEW 2007:R&B/Hip-Hop Collabo Commandments
When it comes to duets between rappers and singers, there is a formula that I believe undoubtedly leads to success. Straying from this formula often leads to very bad things i.e. embarrassment, poor record sales, and sparse airplay just to name a few. 07 definitely saw its share of winners and losers when it […]

2007 Rewind – Kelly Rowland: On My Own
The last decade has been an extremely successful time for Kelly Rowland. Being part of the hit trio Destinys Child has garnered her accolades as an R&B solo artist, songwriter, actress and four-time Grammy Award winner. Over the years, Kelly has gracefully matured from a teenage girl into a beautiful Southern bombshell. Shes shown […]

2007 Rewind – Lily Allen: Knock ‘Em Out
Its been a bizarre ride to the stateside for Lily Allen. While jousting with the medias incessant need to place her and Amy Winehouse at war, Lilys been keeping her head above water through harsh paparazzi and missing her family and friends back home. The UK starlet may have canceled half of her US tour, […]

2007 Rewind – Chris Brown: Legally Platinum
When Chris Brown was discovered in 2005, the Virginian represented the young, fresh and new generation of 80s babies who, having grown up emulating the moves of their favorite entertainers, now had a chance to become stars in their own right. All of a sudden, people were buying into their Goodies, whilst demanding that the […]

2007 Rewind – M.I.A.: Sri Lanka Globetrotter
Despite what your instincts might tell you, M.I.A. is not odd. As technology changes the way in which we communicate and globalization brings increased interaction between nations, more and more people are redefining the meaning of nationality and truly becoming citizens of the world. A self-proclaimed walking mixtape, M.I.A. not only combines musical influences from […]

2007 Rewind – T-Pain: Open Bar
Video: Brian Mapp After a recent arrest and rumors of recording and label troubles, controversy seems to be the name of the game for T-Pain these days – but it doesnt make his success any less sweet. The self proclaimed rappa-ternt-sanga has enjoyed multi-platinum ringtone sales for his own songs and his cameos, and […]

Fergie: Glamour Girl
Sincerity is something missing in a lot of musicians who delve into the mainstream side of the art nowadays. Many artists get caught up in the “act” they put on and become that “alter-ego, forgetting whom they actually are. Thats not the case with Fergie though. Shes kept a level head and is more than […]

2007 Rewind – Omarion: Three Times Dope
Nobody predicted how successful the song Ice Box was going to be; not even Omarion himself. The song that propelled his sophomore album 21 straight to the top of the charts is now commanding attention across the world. It isnt shocking though, since the charismatic triple-threat has earned his stripes in this game as a […]

The Last Word: Yuletide Edition
Whats the deal, people? 2008 is fast approaching, and Im still reeling from everything thats gone down this year. From the downfall of sports heroes to the race to be the next leader of the free world to racial tensions still being front and center, its been an eventful 2007. And with that, I had […]

Ne-Yo: Holiday Spirit
During this holiday season it is important to remember that to many, the holidays are like any other day. To many Thanksgiving and Christmas are not marked with turkeys and gifts, but pain and poverty. Even more disheartening are the children all across the country who never had the chance to believe in Santa Claus. […]

The Last Word: Alicia Keys Plays Lena Horne, Mary J. Blige Speaks Out About Amy Winehouse, and Pretty Ricky Lands In Court
Whats up everyone? The week was too much for me so I cant even give you the non-entertainment highlights of the week. The only thing I can think of is the whole thing with Britneys sister Jamie Lynn being pregnant, but thats about it. Ill have to come stronger next time. In the mean time, […]

Van Hunt: Straight From Concentrate
Its hard to pin down Van Hunt. His music can range from soulful to rock to experimental. His lyrics can vary from overtly romantic to insistent. And during this interview, he was elusive and alluring; just like the words to your favorite Van Hunt song.Hunt has come a long way from writing Dionne Farris Hopeless, […]

J. Holiday: Paying Attention
A few months ago, J. Holiday shared his “Bed” with many when the record was introduced to the world, surging through the airwaves; it was anything but putting you to sleep. In the same wave, a handful of popular Hip-Hop and R&B artists expressed interest in the song, as multiple remixes began circulating featuring the […]

Jaheim: Man Of the Hour
It seems that after a period where R&B was muddled with releases sounding more like Hip-Hop albums, true R&B is back in full effect. There is a laundry list of R&B releases that are or have been highly anticipated for 07 and 08. Pretty close to the top of that list is the next studio […]

Get To Know: Vaneli
Arist: VaneliLocation: New York Influences: Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Toni Braxton, Christina Aguilera, Janet Jackson Why You Should Know Vaneli: The name Vaneli may not be on the tip of your tongue, but the 21-year-old singers voice has already invaded your earspace. With a popular remix of rapper Fabolous hit song “Make […]

The Last Word: Rihanna and Chris Brown Get Physical, Alicia’s Keeping Secrets, and R. Kelly Goes To Church
What it look like people of the world? Weve reached the line finish of another five as we get closer to the Christmas holiday. More scandal for the week was front and center as Sen. George Mitchell puts Roger Clemens and other all-stars on blast with his report on steroid use in major league baseball, […]

El DeBarge: Stay With Me
In today’s world, our youth have little or no idea of who El DeBarge is. A founding member of the legendary, family group DeBarge and recovering cocaine addict, El DeBarge finds peace in knowing that he’s been given one more chance. What today’s youth do know are Hip-Hop radio killers like Rich Boy’s “Throw Some […]

John Legend: Sharing the Spotlight
In the new world of old-school revival R&B, John Legend is essential in that ensemble. In efforts to set himself apart, hes dipping into the business end of things. Proof that this musician is on his businessman tip, Legend has teamed up with Atlantic Records and erected his new record label Homeschool Records. On the […]

The Last Word: Akon’s Finds Legal Troubles, Beyonce Makes the Naughty List, and Fergie Uses Her Body For Peace
Whats poppin people? Another weekend dawns on us as we make it to the end of another five. From Democrats criticizing Pres. Bush for not knowing until last week that Iran had stopped work on its nuclear weapons in 2003 to Jena 6 member Mychal Bell being sentenced to 18 months in jail after pleading […]