Tag: soul

  • Ledisi: Going ‘BLACKSTAGE’

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    ledisi

    Following the debut of her #1 album ‘Turn Me Loose’ topping the charts in August, two-time Grammy Award nominee Ledisi steadily remains one of the most proactive artist within today’s music scene. In addition to her being nominated for Best Female R&B/Soul Artist and performing at this year’s Soul Train Music Awards, Ledisi is also slated to hit the road beginning Oct. 29 in Houston alongside Mint Condition and Eric Benet for the ‘Sexy Soul Tour.’ In midst of her diligent schedule, the New Orleans native found the time to give Blackvoices.com an exclusive look at her behind the scene. ledisi

    Check Out Ledisi’s ‘BLACKSTAGE’ below.

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    BLACKstage: Ledisi
    Blackvoices.com recently went BLACKstage with Ledisi during an intimate showcase to preview her new album, ‘Turn Me Loose,’ which was released via Verve Forecast on Aug. 18, 2009. Here’s an exclusive look at some images of the special evening juxtaposed with facts about the acclaimed singer/songwriter.
    Monica Washington, AOL

    BHM MEDIA NEW

      While on a family vacation with Tom and Suri, Katie Holmes hit the beach near Rio de Janeiro in this blue one piece.

      bauergriffinonline.com

      Rihanna hits the stage at the NFL Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Concert in a pair of knee-high black boots. What do you think about the pop singer’s look?

      Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images for NFL

      Mischa Barton wore this Elie Saab couture mint green gown to the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d’Armenonville. Is Mischa’s look a hit or miss?

      Eric Ryan, Getty Images

      Heroes star Hayden Panettiere arrives at the NBC Universal Pre-Super Bowl event at Portofino in a black tuxedo jacket and dress with a plunging neckline. Is the Hollywood starlet hot or not?

      Gerardo Mora, Getty Images

      Diane Kruger wore Nina Ricci for the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d’Armenonville. Is her dress a mess or amazing?

      Eric Ryan, Getty Images

      Kim Kardashian opted for this floral strapless Tracey Reese dress for the 2009 Moves Magazine Super Bowl Party at The Venue Club. Let us know what you think about Kim’s look.

      Tim Boyles, Getty Images

      Burlesque beauty Dita Von Teese wore an ice blue Elie Saab (left) satin dress at the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d’Armenonville.

      Dominique Charriau, WireImage

      Spanish actress Penelope Cruz appeared at the the 2009 Goya Cinema Awards in Madrid in this black lace Chanel gown. Is it a win or a loss?

      Carlos Alvarez, Getty Images

      Amy Adams wore a Jasmine di Milo gold and silver sequin backless dress and Christian Louboutin heels to the 61st Annual Directors Guild of America Awards.

      Frazer Harrison, Getty Images

      Being thousands of miles away didn’t stop Meryl Streep from celebrating the inauguration. The actress wore this Catherine Malandrino flag dress to the Paris premiere of Doubt.

      Julien Hekimian, WireImage

     

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  • 2009 Soul Train Awards: Nominees and Performers Announced

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    2009 Soul Train Awards: Nominees and Performers Announced

    As previously reported by BV Newswire, the 2009 Soul Train Awards is scheduled to tape at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center on Nov. 3. In addition to Academy Award nominated actors Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard hosting this year’s annual event, some of today’s most prominent music stars are scheduled to perform.

    Network producers decided to assemble an all-star lineup including Toni Braxton, Trey Songz, Erykah Badu, Robin Thicke, Fantasia, Ryan Leslie, Chrisette Michelle, Raheem DeVaughn, Karyn White, Boyz II Men, Ledisi, Chico Debarge, Angie Stone, Brian McKnight, Ginuwine, Melanie Fiona, and Johnny Gill among others.

    The two-hour ceremony will also honor the late, great Michael Jackson, who holds the record for most Soul Train awards won, with the special Entertainer of the Year Award.

    As for this year’s nominations, pop superstar Beyonce alongside Keri Hilson, and Maxwell lead the pack with four nominations each.

    In addition, this year’s show will honor the illustrious careers and musical influences of Chaka Khan, Charlie Wilson, L.A. Reid and Kenny “Baby Face” Edmonds.

    Officially titled, ‘Centric Presents: 2009 Soul Train Awards Show,’ the event will premiere simultaneously on the new BET spin-off channel Centric and BET on Nov. 29 at 9 pm ET. Centric went live on air Sept. 28 via digital cable and satellite cable carriers.

    Below is a complete list of nominees and categories.

    BEST NEW ARTIST

    o. Drake
    o. Jazmine Sullivan
    o. Keri Hilson
    o. Ryan Leslie
    o. Solange

    BEST R&B/SOUL ARTIST FEMALE

    o. Beyonce
    o. Chrisette Michele
    o. Jennifer Hudson
    o. Ledisi
    o. Whitney Houston

    BEST MALE R&B/SOUL MALE

    o. Charlie Wilson
    o. Maxwell
    o. Musiq Soulchild
    o. Raphael Saadiq
    o. Robin Thicke

    SONG OF THE YEAR

    o. “God in Me” – Mary Mary
    o. “Pretty Wings” – Maxwell
    o. “Single Ladies (Put a ring on it)” – Beyonce
    o. “Spotlight” – Jennifer Hudson
    o. “Turnin Me On” – Keri Hilson/ ft Lil Wayne

    ALBUM OF THE YEAR

    o. Beyonce – I am… Sasha Fierce (Platinum) Sony Music
    o. Jamie Foxx – Intuition (Platinum) J Records
    o. Kanye West – 808s & Heartbreak (Platinum) Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam
    o. Maxwell – Blacksummer’s Night (Gold) Sony Music
    o. Ne-Yo – Year of the Gentleman

    RECORD OF THE YEAR (SONGWRITER AWARD)

    o. Beyonce – “Single Ladies (Put a ring on it)”
    o. Drake – “Best I ever had”
    o. Jamie Foxx Ft/T-Pain – “Blame it”
    o. Keri Hilson – “Knock You Down”
    o. Maxwell – “Pretty Wings”

    BEST REGGAE ARTIST AWARD

    o. Movado
    o. Sean Paul
    o. Serani
    o. Taurus Riley
    o. Ziggy Marley

    CENTRIC AWARD – SOUL APPROVED/UNDERGROUND

    o. Corneille
    o. Eric Roberson
    o. Laura Izibor
    o. Maysa
    o. The Knux

    BEST GOSPEL PERFORMANCE MALE, FEMALE OR GROUP

    o. BeBe and CeCe Winans – “Close To You”
    o. Fred Hammond f/John P Kee – “They That Wait”
    o. Marvin Sapp – “Praise Him in Advance”
    o. Mary Mary – “God In Me”
    o. Smokie Norful – “Justified”

    BEST COLLABORATION

    o. Keri Hilson featuring Kanye West & Ne-Yo – “Knock you Down”
    o. Keyshia Cole featuring Monica – “Trust”
    o. Mario featuring Gucci Mane and Sean Garrett – “Break up”
    o. Mary Mary featuring Kierra (KiKi) Sheard – “God In Me”
    o. Trey Songz featuring Drake – “Successful”

    ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

    o. Michael Jackson

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    Black Music Notes Oct. 7

      10/7/09: Mariah Carey
      Mariah Carey‘s new album ‘Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel’ debuted in #3 position on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart, selling only 167, 912 copies in its first week of release. Surprisingly, 67-year-old Barbra Streisand bagged the top spot — selling 180,415 copies of her latest covers collection, ‘Love is the Answer.’ Also keeping Carey away from being numero uno; rock band Paramore, which opened at #2 with their new album ‘Brand New Eyes,’ with sales of 175,112.

      Getty Images

      10/5/09: Meshell Ndegeocello
      This week, Meshell Ndegeocelloreleases her latest album, ‘Devil’s Halo,’ and officially kicks off a promotional tour at New York City hot-spot, Highline Balroom. The three week club tour will have the rock & soul wunderkind performing in major cities across the country — including Chicago, Los Angeles and Minneapolis — before her final show Oct. 28 in Bellingham, Washington. All tour dates will include Meshell’s full band, featuring guitarist Chris Bruce, bassist Mark Kelley, keyboardist Keefus Ciancia and drummer Deantoni Parks.

      Mark Seliger for Downtown Music

      10/2/09: Mary J, Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson:
      Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder, and Jennifer Hudson are among the artists featured on Rod Stewart‘s forthcoming project titled ‘Soulbook.’ The J Records release captures the Grammy Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Famer covering a collection of classic soul favorites, including the Stylistics timeless classic ‘You Make Me Feel Brand New.’ “This is the album I’ve waited my whole lifetime to record,” Stewart stated. ‘Soulbook’ hits stores and digital retailers Oct. 27.

      Getty Images

      10/2/09: 50 Cent/T.I.:
      To capitalize off of its recent batch of ‘Behind the Music’ segments, VH1 has finally decided to take an introspective look at the careers of 50 Cent and T.I. The two multi-platinum rappers will be showcased in the network’s long running series in the coming weeks, which will cover their rise to fame. From T.I. describing the pros and cons of being a hip-hop superstar to Fifty detailing his success as an international mogul. ‘Behind the Music: T.I.’ premieres Oct. 8 at 10 pm/et, while ‘Behind the Music: 50 Cent’ airs Oct. 13 at 8 pm/et.

      Getty Images

      10/2/09: Bootsy Collins, Teena Marie:
      Beginning Nov. 1, TV One returns with all new episodes of their critically-acclaimed original biography series, ‘Unsung.’ The Gary Anthony Williams-narrated show, which examines and celebrates talented artists who are under-appreciated, will showcase Teena Marie, Bootsy Collins, Roger Troutman & Zapp, and Klymaxx in its third installment. ‘Unsung: Teena Marie’ premieres Nov. 1 at 8 pm/et followed by an encore at 11 pm/et.

      Getty Images

      10/2/09: Akon:
      International superstar Akon is showing support for breast cancer awareness month this weekend with his headlining performance at the Think Pink Rocks concert on Oct. 3. Hosted by BET’s Terrence and Rocsi, the star-studded charity benefit will also include performances by Canadian R&B songstress Melanie Fiona, Shontelle, and pop reggae trio American Yard. According to an event spokesperson, all proceeds will go to breast cancer charities and research.

      Getty Images

      10/2/09: Pretty Ricky:
      Following a controversial viral video clip from one of its most known members earlier this year, R&B group Pretty Ricky will finally release their third album, aptly titled ‘Pretty Ricky.’ The chart-topping group, which features Spectacular, Diamond Blue, Slick’Em, and their newest buddy/addition Lingerie, feels their Nov. 17 release is too good to explain. “The songs are too sensual to describe in words,” says Diamond. “You have to hear it to fully grasp the erotic experience of the records.” The group’s new lead single, ‘Tipsy In This Club,’ received a mixed response over the summer when Spectacular debuted the track via his eye-brow raising YouTube clip.

      Getty Images

      9/28/09: Tupac Shakur/Martin Luther King Jr.
      Late rap legend Tupac Shakur may be deceased, but he’s still in great company. His mother Afeni Shakur has donated a collection of his writing to the Robert W. Woodruff Library at Atlanta University Center. The library also houses The Martin Luther King Jr. Collection. More than 150 of his personal items, ranging from rough drafts of lyrics and poems to a photocopy of his contract with Suge Knight and Death Row Records were given. The records are expected to be available for research in the fall of 2010.

      Getty Images, Corbis

      9/28/09: Ruben Studdard
      Former ‘American Idol’ winner Ruben Studdard is heating up the airwaves with his latest single, ‘Don’t Make ‘Em Like U No More.’ The single, which is described as a “sleek and soulful R&B ode to everyone’s special someone,” is featured on the Grammy Award-nominated crooner’s current album, ‘Love Is.’ In addition, Studdard will join Philip Bailey (of Earth, Wind & Fire) and Deborah Cox, among others, on Oct. 21 for the “David Foster and Friends Tour.” The trek kicks off in Chicago and concludes on Nov. 8 in Vancouver.

      Getty Images

      9/28/09: Angie Stone
      R&B diva Angie Stone is ready to hit fans with some surprising stuff! On Nov. 24, the brown-skin soul sister will release her second project, titled ‘Unexpected,’ on legendary label Stax Records. According to Stone, the album’s title is a reflection of the direction that she took in recording the opus. “This album is something that no one would have anticipated coming from me,” she said. “My father always encouraged me and everyone else he knew to reach out and make a leap of faith, and that’s exactly what I’ve done.” ‘Unexpected’ features the lead single ‘I Ain’t Hearin’ U’ and the poignant ballad ‘Think Sometimes.’

      Getty Images

     

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  • My Soul Mate

    blacksoulmates
    At the beginning of time, the Creator split one soul into masculine and feminine energies. Those energies evolved over the course of many lifetimes, perfecting themselves so that they could be reunited in the physical plane as one. You, my love, are my twin flame, my divine right partner, the yin to my yang and I am now made whole again with you.

    Making love to you is transcendent. Every breath you take I feel as my own. I can’t tell if I’m inside you or you are inside of me. My vibration rises and my senses become overwhelmed when I’m with you. I have nowhere to hide, nowhere to run. Your gentle moans of pleasure fill my ears when no one is around and your touch caresses me throughout the day.

    My fears, dreams, hopes, and aspirations are wrapped up in you. Your fingertips hold my pleasure; your shoulders carry my insecurities and doubts for me. Your mouth speaks the words that soothe my savage soul. Your tears wash away my hurt and I am baptized in the sweetness of your nectar.

    I want you to know that only you can fulfill me and there is no reason to for me to look elsewhere. I feel electricity and sparks every time I see your face, every time I look in your eyes. I want to kiss you for hours, losing track of time. I want to be late for work because we can’t bear the thought of starting the day off without connecting. I want to bathe in your essence my soul mate.