John Singleton: Directors Cut
In the hood and abroad, John Singleton is a legendthe man responsible for bringing such classic characters as Ice Cubes Doughboy from Boyz n the Hood and Tupacs Lucky in Poetic Justice to the big screen, while placing much-needed emphasis on the poignant tales the inner city has to offer. While some Hollywood heads might […]

Jaguar Wright: Different Day
When she first came on the scene three years ago with her first album Denials, Delusions, and Decisions, Jaguar Wright found herself aligned with a debatable category of music labeled Neo-Soul. You might remember seeing her on stage with one of Hip-Hops most intriguing groups, The Roots, or maybe you remember how she kicked out […]

Buju Banton: The Champ Is Here
From the first time Buju Banton crossed the Caribbean Sea to find success in America, he has beaten a unique path. Most of his peers crafted Dancehall anthems that still get the party started in any urban nightclub, leaving the culture, or more conscious – almost religious – music to the elders who had toiled […]

Tori Alamaze: Lost In Translation
In an industry where styles are copied and images are duplicated on a daily basis, its hard to find the originator of anything. In the last few months, Atlanta-based singer Tori Alamaze (pronounced al-lah-MAH-zay) has witnessed fellow newcomers the Pussycat Dolls pilfer her song Dont Cha, a sassy adaptation of Sir Mix-A-Lot’s Swass. Tori initially […]

Leela James: Soul Journey
Its the day of Leela James release in more ways than one. Not only has the Los Angeles natives debut album A Change Is Gonna Come finally hit stores after receiving rave reviews, but her long, hard work is paying off at last. Its high time for a little exuberance. Just hours before hitting up […]

KMC: Soca Supreme
The Sugar Hill Gang introduced the masses to Rap music by way of Rappers Delight in 1979. It didnt matter that Grandmaster Caz penned Big Bank Hanks lyrics, or that the crew was based out of New Jersey. In time, more certified emcees like Busy Bee and Melle Mel would emerge to let audiences decide […]

Teairra Mari: Crown Jewel
What good is a dynasty without a reigning queen or perhaps a princess in the case of Roc-A-Fella Records? Meet Teairra Mari, a 17-year-old Detroit native who is the sole female artist on the label, and is currently the only R&B act. She may not be old enough to vote yet, but don’t get it […]

Charlie Wilson: Outstanding
This summer heat calls for barbequing, and in the list of essentials, The Gap Band records come only after the homemade sauce. For well over 30 years, Charlie Wilson has kept the Gap Bands name moving, as well as crucial drops on Hip-Hop records like Snoops Upside Ya Head – but perhaps the best work […]

Raghav: World Tour
For most artists, going platinum is the ultimate measure of success. It keeps the label happy, and ensures that the royalty checks will be rolling in. For Raghav, who is still an unknown among the mainstream U.S market, going platinum is already a done deal. One of the few global breakout stars of this generation, […]

Esthero: Perfect Blend
Esthero is one artist whose name has flowed through the lips of music connoisseurs as an answer to the question of who is on the verge of taking over music. Citing Esthero comes with just cause, as the Toronto native revolutionized music at the age of 18 and has finally returned to bring the revolution […]

Sumeet: Get Deeper
Very few independent artists have the luxury newcomer R&B singer Sumeet has. For starters her debut single, a catchy club track titled Agony, is a collaboration with none-other than Dancehall superstar Elephant Man. The importance of a big name is obvious in urban music but that doesnt mean new artists cant hold their own. But […]

Rick Gonzalez: Mane Attraction
Inside Hollywood there is an array of young actors that dare to be different, try to find their niche, and master their craft. You can definitely put 25-year-old Rick Gonzalez into that category. A native of New York, Bushwick to be exact, Rick definitely does his thing on the silver screen. From playing Timo Cruz, […]

Lina: True Inspiration
At a time when women are seen as objects and not companions, soul singer Lina has set out to prove that it’s what inside that truly makes you beautiful. Raised in Dallas-Ft.Worth, Texas, Lina grew up in a music-loving family with roots in Gospel and Jazz. She began singing in her local church at the […]

Mashonda: My Turn
You heard her on Eves Gotta Man and Jay-Zs Girls Best Friend, saw her in Cassidys Get No Better video, and you probably know shes married to former Ruff Ryders producer Swizz Beatz. But after blessing numerous hooks with her saintly vocals and songwriting skills, its finally time for Mashonda Tifrere to hold her own. […]

Capleton: The Prophet Speaks
The title of prophet is often a heavy cross to bear. In addition to dealing with the constant scrutiny of those who wait to see him or her fail in their righteous mission, a prophet also has to not only avoid the temptations of the world, but find a way to get his message out […]

T.O.K.: A Cut Above
Since hitting the American scene in the early 1970’s, Reggae music has been very influential to all music as a whole. With classic artists like Bob Marley, Super Cat, Shabba Ranks, Sean Paul, Beenie Man and countless others influencing both the way American music sounds and moves, it was only a matter of time before […]

Fatty Koo: Overnight Celebrities
Blowing up is one thing, staying up is another. Some of the most talented blends of street and R&B have been susceptible to the ills of the music industry. Mismanagement of all levels has caused the demise of many a group, and the industry graveyard continues to grow. Enter Fatty Koo, a group of young, […]

Maya Azucena: Who’s That Girl?
Refreshingly authentic artists are always welcome on the R&B stage. While you probably wouldnt recognize her face, Maya Azucenas (pronounced AH-zoo-SAY-na) sugary voicea concoction of soul, Hip-Hop, and funk with a little bit of rockreverberates across television screens daily. The well-traveled Brooklynite first gained notice doing live shows with her aptly-titled Band at local New […]

Jamie Hector: Calming Force, Pt 1
With only one season under his belt, Marlo Stanfield all but took over prime street corners in HBOs#### series The Wire. Brooklyn-born actor Jamie Hector plays the sadistically driven drug lord who quickly riveted Wire fans already captivated by the shows authentic portrayal of urban street affairs. But from Hectors amicable demeanor recently at Barnes […]

Jamie Hector: Calming Force, Pt 2
AHHA: He killedhe set up DAngelos murder in prison. Jamie: Yeah, he set up one of his own to be murdered. I mean, he was grimy. On the streets if you really look atlets take away the name Stringer Bell and lets just put the name of some wild dude on the streets with some […]