Ne-Yo, who is a Grammy Award winning singer may be best known for his R&B hits, but the singer may or may not be better known for the hit songs he’s written. Ne-Yo, whose real name is Shaffer Smith has proven himself to be a high-profile songwriter. He has written songs for Celine Dion, Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, New Kids on...
9 Songs Penned by Jazmine Sullivan
Jazmine Sullivan has become one of the most celebrated and underrated singer’s in the music industry. The Philadelphia native nabbed herself a record deal and recorded a debut album at 15. Fast-forward, the 11 time Grammy nominated artist is not only known for her vocal acrobats, but her superb songwriting skills as well. Here are nine times when Jazmine did minimum walking and...
Solange ‘When I Get Home’ Album Review
“The album’s material has a rich balance of ratchet and righteousness.” If we were to judge a book by its cover, then based on the cover of When I Get Home we know exactly what to expect from Solange’s fourth studio album. The new artwork mimics, and serves as a sequel to her previous album A Seat at the Table. The two albums don’t...
Le Du-rag: The Most Important Thing to a Brotha
” The satin shield highlights our aestheticism and culture, while protecting our crown and glory.” In my late teens, early twenties I remember watching a television show and hearing “the most important thing to a brotha is his barber.” That line resonated with me more ways than one: being that I am a direct extension [son] of a barber, who also has...
Why I Had to Leave My Church
“Many leave home to grow, because home has a way of hindering lives.” When I was about 12 years of age; the Church I went to was out my grandmother’s backdoor, through a parking lot, and across a small field. Needless to say; it was a hop, skip, and a jump away from home. Church for me was cool, and convenient. There were...
Usher “A” Album Review
On the cusp of his 40th birthday, Usher gets extra cozy with his hometown sound on “A”. Teaming up with Atlanta producer Zaytoven to record an 8-song project in 5 days. Followed with the decision to release it 48 hours before its date. Instantly you hear that Usher still refuses to give his fans traditional R&B that they’ve been begging for since...
Kanye West ‘ye’ Album Review
Kanye West approached his eighth studio album a little different than usual. Simply titling it ye, and consisting of 7 songs only. Mr. West is persistent on veering further away from rhyming by exploring his other musical abilities, which are bought to the forefront. Opening with what sounds like a therapy session with his inner demons. Kanye states “the most...
Top 30 Hip-Hop & R&B Collaborations
Before we became sucked into this feature driven music industry. Before we craved to see album track listings- just to see whom the feature guest was. Before artist needed assistance from all of their musical peers. You know, back when both artists actually got in the studio together to create magic. Back when artists actually put out an album that...
Despite Everything…I’m Still a Kanye West Fan
As Kanye West once said: “If you’re a fan of Kanye West, then you’re a fan of your mother*&king self.” Yes, I’m well aware that he has gone against the black agenda by aligning himself with Trump, and referring to Trump as “brotha.” But honestly, I don’t care about him professing his love for that man. Kanye has always been...
#AskB: My Boyfriend Wants to Buy a House; But We’re Not Married
My boyfriend and I have been dating for 7 years now. We began dating our senior year of high school, and maintained our relationship by attending the same college. We’ve both graduated, and are now living together, but now he wants to stop renting and purchase a home together. I’m a little apprehensive about buying a house together because we’re...