Artist: Brandon HinesLocation:  Detroit/Washington, DCInfluences: J Moss, Kim Burrell, Trey Songz, Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin, Nas.Why You Should Know Brandon Hines:Upon hearing his latest single, “Look Me in My Face,” one might question whether Mario Winans is back at it with another album. As you listen a little closer, you notice the fragile voice of […]

What’s good people? Here’s to another week gone by. We made it through in one piece. Hopefully, you stayed cool and got out of the crazy heat. Other than people eulogizing the N-word and going wild over the new Harry Potter movie, it was another week in “paradise.”  Thoughts and prayers go out to KRS-One […]

She may not be a household name in America, but Joy Denalane has caused the eyes of some of the US’s most lyrically competent to pass a glance in her direction. On her sophomore project Born and Raised, Joy is most certainly able to independently hold the reigns, but she opts to allow Lupe Fiasco […]

There are two undeniable truths about Dave 1 of Chromeo: he is a Hip-Hop encyclopedia and an avid reader of AllHipHop.com. At first glance, he and his best friend and P-Thugg might not look like your average b-boys. Sure, their electro-rock-funk-soul-(insert another cool genre) band Chromeo is making waves across the globe with their follow-up […]

Bryce Wilson is no stranger to the entertainment industry. Although most remember him as part of the ’90s duo Groove Theory, he has since conquered the ranks as an established recording artist, executive producer, and an actor. As a producer, Bryce Wilson has worked with some of our generation’s best entertainers including Beyoncè Knowles, Mary […]

While browsing the aisles of your local record store, you may come across Build a Nation, the latest from Washington D.C.’s hometown heroes (or villains, depending on who you ask) Bad Brains. The red, yellow, and green cover art prominently displays a crowned lion. On the back, the band’s photo shows three Dreads backed by […]

Collie Buddz just might be to reggae/dancehall what Eminem was to the world of Hip-Hop those many years ago – a snowball building momentum, preparing to avalanche this crazy world that is music. Born Colin Harper in New Orleans, Louisiana, this future reggae sensation later moved to the island of Bermuda at the age of […]

In this era of manufactured reality show stars, American Idol runners-up, and Mouseketeer graduates dominating the charts, the beautifully talented Macy Gray automatically stands out and adds a breath of fresh air to the current stale and somewhat repetitive music industry. For a while though, the helium-voiced Miss Gray seemed to be coasting instead of […]

The movement began almost a decade ago, and finally big tings a gwan! Team Embassador, also known as “Team Everybody,” brings all types of music together to form a style that has nothing typical about it. They have opened for acts like billboard chart-topper Ne-Yo, and the Team has been successful in tailoring their performances […]

Videographer: Brian MappVideo Editor: Quadre Owens The thought of being a rapper crosses the minds of many young Hip-Hop listeners. For Daddy Yankee, these thoughts not only manifested as a childhood dream, but exceeded his expectations. Yankee has successfully transformed his love for the culture and created a new genre altogether. Selling two platinum albums […]

In 2004, a young girl from Atlanta, Georgia by the name of Ciara Princess Harris, brought forth an ingredient that R&B had been missing. By having a street edge, catchy beats, and creative lyrics, the evolution of Ciara began long before her sophomore album, The Evolution. Since her debut into the world of entertainment, Ciara […]

MTV’s video era was culminated in the early ‘90s. Dr. Dre and his 1964 Impala drove straight up the charts with a canon of early Death Row videos, arguably the best in rap history. But as 2007’s Hip-Hop parallels and borrows from Rock in many ways, it’s important to remember another heavily rotated video of […]

Atlanta’s got you snappin’. Miami stays hustlin’, and Texas has you screwed up. Now, New Orleans artist Cupid takes the Southern movement a step further, chefing up a jambalaya of Cajun flavored music. Could this new recipe of Southern ingredients satisfy the hungry ears of the R&B gourmet as well as the microwave music lovers? […]

Ray J has evolved into a mainstay in the world of entertainment. Gone are the days of being crowned “Brandy’s little brother,” as the actor/musician has escaped that shadow believed to be a stigma in the early days of his career. With three albums under his belt and a new label Knock-Out Entertainment, Ray J […]

Crash Mansion, New York City. Singersroom Live, notorious for their intimate R&B concert series, has dedicated a night to songwriting/singing prodigy Johnta Austin. Prior to the performances, it was “Johnta this, Johnta that.” Every artist was great, but a blur now…including Johnta himself. Every artist that is, except for Chrisette Michele. Arriving third in the […]

It’s a blazing 90 degrees in New York City, but reggae/dancehall sensation Elephant Man isn’t at all affected. “I love it when it’s hot,” he says, sitting in the Bad Boy offices with a fresh new multi-colored haircut and a new album anticipating a late summer release. The man who delivers more “wine” than a […]

  When the now defunct Born Jamericans swam the mainstream in the mid ‘90s, it was the breezy melodies of Notch that lingered in the ears of Hip-Hop and reggae fans alike. Known for hits like “Boom Shak-a-Tack,” “Send My Love” and “Yardcore,” Born Jamericans were kids from foreign that added a twist to reggae/dancehall […]

  We might be at a crossroads with R&B in the new millennium, but there are still a few singers who understand the value of combining art with true entertainment. In a nutshell, smooth R&B doesn’t have to be boring. From the start of his career, Carl Thomas has given his fans the gift of […]

  Getting what she wants is pretty much every girl’s dream. It’s also one of the things that Pretty Ricky say they do best – not one, but all four of them. Pleasure P, Spectacular, Slick Em and Baby Blue are set out to do just that with their latest release from Bluestar Entertainment International/Atlantic […]

  While Pennsylvania’s claim as the birthplace of America is widely contested, it can confidently boast the origin of neo-soul. That distinctively Philly-centric genre is characterized by the jazz-inspired vocals and soul soaked percussions of which The Roots, Jill Scott and Musiq are its most noteworthy proprietors. Now, 22-year old newcomer Kevin Michael hopes to […]