MC Shy D, born Peter Jones, was an Atlanta pioneer who helped shape the Southern hip-hop scene, particularly in Miami, Florida. Originally from the Bronx, New York, and relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, at a young age, MC Shy D became a key figure in the early Miami rap movement, igniting the scene with his infectious beats. His debut album, “Got to Be Tough,” released in 1987, featured the hit single “Shake It” and its catchy hook: “Shake it, don’t break it / It took your mama nine months to make it.” During MC Shy D’s heyday, he was known for his energetic performances, rapid-fire delivery, a ..read more

By: T. Phillips Whatever Happened to Tweet? The Evolution of an R&B Powerhouse The dawn of the 2000s brought with it a refreshing gust of R&B artists. Among them, the sultry and unmistakable voice of Tweet stood out. But where did she vanish after delivering one of the era’s most defining hits? The Anthem that Shook the Charts “Oops (Oh My)” wasn’t just a song; it was a movement. Featuring Missy Elliott, this track was more than catchy. It was a celebration of self-love, confidence, and womanhood. Its infectious beats combined with its empowering lyrics to dominate both the Hot R& ..read more

By: T. Phillips Amil: The Enigmatic Voice Behind Roc-a-Fella’s Anthems In the heyday of Roc-a-Fella Records, while Jay-Z’s lyrical prowess was indisputable, there was another voice that left an indelible mark on the era – Amil. Her signature soft-yet-raspy tone was the unmistakable backdrop to some of Jay-Z’s most iconic tracks. A Star is Born Amil’s grand entrance into the world of mainstream hip-hop was anything but ordinary. Tracks like “Do It Again (Put Ya Hands Up),” “Jigga What, Jigga Who,” and “Can I Get A…” showcased her unparalleled style. Each of these became anthems, and her collab ..read more

By: TR Philips Glenn Lewis: The Unfading Voice of Neo-Soul In the early 2000s, from the wintry expanses of Canada, a voice emerged that would leave a lasting imprint on the neo-soul genre. Glenn Lewis, with his debut album World Outside My Window in 2002, introduced the world to the soul-stirring hit “Don’t You Forget It.” His music, a perfect blend for a serene evening or a deep dive into emotions, has since become a staple for aficionados of classic R&B and neo-soul. Echoing the legendary sounds of Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, and Marvin Gaye, Lewis’s discography is essentia ..read more

Danish soul & neo-soul music pioneer JONAS celebrates his 50th birthday with the brand new full-lentgh album “BE THE LIGHT” With more than 25 years on the scene, JONAS has earned his well-deserved respect and recognition, having made an impact with his music – in both Scandinavia and various parts of the World. As he has shared studio and/or stage moments with the likes of OMAR, JOHN LEGEND, BILAL, MACY GRAY, JOSS STONE, LYNDEN DAVID HALL and many others, it is no wonder media around the World have dubbed JONAS the “GODFATHER OF SCANDINAVIAN SOUL”. The validation of some of these accompli ..read more

By: T. Phillips Chronicles of the Revolutionary Rhymers Laying the foundation for a powerful fusion of conscious hip-hop with a soulful R&B essence, Brand Nubian emerged as one of hip-hop’s unparalleled heavyweights. Hailing from New York, this iconic group not only created anthems but also painted an entire tapestry of the culture, society, and life during their era. The Nubian Legacy Brand Nubian’s narrative has always been about more than just music. Their artistry struck chords, creating a harmonious blend of impactful messaging and head-nodding beats. Their versatility allowed them to ..read more

By: T. Phillips Laying the foundation for a powerful fusion of conscious hip-hop with a soulful R&B essence, Brand Nubian emerged as one of hip-hop’s unparalleled heavyweights. Hailing from New York, this iconic group not only created anthems but also painted an entire tapestry of the culture, society, and life during their era. The Nubian Legacy Brand Nubian’s narrative has always been about more than just music. Their artistry struck chords, creating a harmonious blend of impactful messaging and head-nodding beats. Their versatility allowed them to be both street poets and socio-politic ..read more

By: TR Phillips Under the gritty streetlights and against the pulsating heartbeat of New York City, MC Shan and KRS-One found themselves embroiled in a lyrical war that would go down in history as the notorious Bridge Battle. This epic confrontation, which began in 1985, was a fierce verbal duel between two titans of the rap world, representing their respective neighborhoods: Queensbridge, home of MC Shan, and the South Bronx, where KRS-One reigned. Their words, like sharp-edged swords, cut through the air, leaving a trail of fiery rhymes and powerful storytelling in their wake. The Bridge Ba ..read more

LIVE JAZZ | R&B | SOUL | BLUES | NEO-SOUL 3 DAYS + 3 VENUES = 1 GREAT WEEKEND IN DALLAS Curtis King, founder and president of The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, Inc. (TBAAL), has traveled around the country for over 16 years to frequent and study major music festivals, specifically festivals of a jazz nature. For over forty-six (46) years, TBAAL has entertained millions of patrons from around the globe in its downtown Dallas location, The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. True to its mission, this major multi-discipline cultural arts conglomerate, fosters, cultivates, perpet ..read more

Let’s Hear What you Have to Say! Where You’ve Been? Where You Would Like to Go? Leave us some comments, photos and feelings below ..read more