By: LeVelle

R&B/Neo Soul singer LeVelle aka LB, has officially released his new single titled “Why“. Hailing from the historic city of Kansas City, this musician is ready to show the world how gifted and musically talented he is. On this new release LeVelle does an excellent job of taping in with his audience as he remains authentic and real in his lyrical digest. He quickly reminds listeners of “Why” the R&b genre is more relevant than ever, as soul music is food for the soul.

 On this release, you will hear the songster melodically singing his heart out pleading and asking
“Why” the woman who adores won’t leave her toxic relationship for him. In a serene and serenading voice the Kansas City native says things like “Why you keep putting up with these lames, why you keep letting him play these games, I see a predicament and I ask myself why?” These raw and honest bars, appear in the catchy chorus that sets the tone for the whole song. Every rift and word sung, is full of passion, intention and love. That is probably due to the fact that he is heavily influenced by Sam Cooke, Al Green, Gerald Levert, Avant, Musiq Soulchild, Anthony Hamilton and David Hollister. These R&B/Soul legends sound’s are weaved into LeVelle’s melodies, runs, and beat choices.

Pushing passed hardship, naysayers and the ways of the industry, LB has created a record that both men and women can grow to appreciate. The most impressive part of “Why” is the harmonious bliss that travels throughout your body from beginning to end. This by far his strongest material to date as he is only getting better and better over time. When you work hard you will reap the benefits of that hard work. That is the case for this rising superstar.

Having had the opportunity to grace the same stage as R&B crooner Charlie Wilson, Anthony Hamilton, Dave Hollister, Avant, El Debarge, TheBarkay’s, The Dazz Band, Al Green, The Temptations, Robin Thicke, After 7, TonyTerry, Trey Songz, En Vogue, SWV, Shanice, Tank, Silk, Dru Hill, K-Ci & Jojo, Frankie Beverly, Fantasia, Big Bub, Howard Hewett, Calvin Richardson, Eric Benet, Ginuwine, Marcus Houston, Cedric The Entertainer, he is more than ready to break into the mainstream music circuit.

LB has just completed his debut album called Le Velle My Journey. This album portrays his strong appreciation for women in general and the women who have greatly influenced his life. As he continues to be a prime contender in the R&B game, press play below to stream his “Why” single.

The post Soul Singer LeVelle Releases New “Why” Single appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Coco Jones posing. Photo Credit: Coco Jones/Instagram

You may know singer/actress Coco Jones Jones from her appearance in the Disney Channel film, Let It Shine or for appearing on Radio Disney’s Next Big Thing, but keep one thing certain: her foundation began in the church.

Appearing on Scoop B Radio, Coco Jones Credited both the late Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and more for the vocal inspiration.

“Growing up my mom put me on to a lot of powerhouse singers,” Coco Jones told me on Scoop B Radio.

“I was into Aretha Franklin, Fantasia, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Cece Winans, my mom told me like if you can sing these songs then you can sing anything, oh and I can’t forget Whitney Houston I was into all the bangers.”

She added: “I love singing. I’ve always been this little performer, I was always that extra kid doing the most.” 

A Lebanon, Tennesse native, Coco Jones is the daughter of NFL player Mike Jones and vocalist Javonda Jones. According to her Wikipedia page, her first stage performance was at the age of six when she performed “America the Beautiful” to a crowded auditorium of parents at her kindergarten graduation.

“I remember my dad bought me this karaoke machine one time, I broke it like on sight I broke it like I think it was on the day he bought it.” 

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Fantasia has the ball in motion for her upcoming fifth studio album The Definition Of…  After giving a show-stopping performance of “Ugly” on American Idol’s finale.  Fantasia bounces right back with “So Blue,” which serves as the album’s third single.

Tasia sings about the regrets of her revenge. “See a lot of times when things happen, you react in the moment.  And you’re not thinking about anything but trying to get that person back or make that person hurt like you hurt.  And when you have time to sit back and think about it, it’s too late, the damage is already done.” says the “No Time For It” singer.

Along with dropping the track last night, Fantasia also unveiled the album’s artwork via her social media platforms. “This album means a lot to me,” says Barrino. “I was finally allowed to create a body of work that truly speaks to my love of MUSIC.. ALL MUSIC.. I AM MUSIC.”  The Definition Of… drops June 10th and can now be pre-ordered on Apple Music.  Upon pre-ordering you receive three tracks instantly.

Listen to Tasia’a new track below…

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The post Fantasia Drops ‘So Blue’ & Unveils ‘The Definition Of…’ Artwork appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Fantasia returns and drops a new track off her upcoming album The Definition Of… due out this spring.  The country-inspired tune follows behind Barrino‘s prior single “No Time For It,” which will appear on her fifth studio album also.  The powerful ballad is produced by pal Ron Fair, and written by Audra Mae and Nicolle Gaylon.  Tasia tweeted the tracks YouTube link with the attached message “Rock Soul is all types of sounds.. Go with me while I go Country for a sec. When you love music.. you love it all.”

Barrino who was the season 3 American Idol winner performed “Ugly” for the first time live on the shows grand finale Thursday night (April 7th.)  She also took the stage with former contestants from the prior seasons.  Her Jennifer Hudson and Letoya London stood side by side and sung “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”  “Ugly” is currently available on music outlets.

In addition to American Idol finale and her upcoming album, she will also be hitting the road with fellow North Carolina singer and pal Anthony Hamilton for a joint tour, which kicks off April 21st in Buffalo, New York.

In the meantime…take a listen below as Fantasia taps into new sounds.

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The post Check Out Fantasia’s Newest Track ‘Ugly’ appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Female hip-hop icon Missy Elliott drops by FUSE TV to talk about her return to music. Missy speaks with host Matte Babel about her musical likes and dislikes during the period of her short absence as an individual recording artist. During her off period, Missy worked as a music producer for many other artists, such as R&B singers Monica, Keyshia Cole, Fantasia and Jazmine Sullivan. Missy goes onto discuss the battles she had to face against friend/producer Timbaland, as she tried to recreate the current state of hip hop. Now that Missy‘s back in her comfort zone, she’s ready to conquer the world with her music and to prove anyone that doubts her wrong: she is a true lyricist.

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