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.

Image credit: Thicke Music/EMPIRE

UPDATE: Robin Thicke breaks out the guitar and gets busy in his new visual below.

Robin Thicke has definitely seen some serious ups and downs throughout his career — much of it in the court of public opinion.

Moving forward, the crooner returns with a new single titled “Testify,” which sees Thicke keeping his positive (and real) about his journey. Check it out below.

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Robin Thicke – “Morning Sun”

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Since his highly-publicized divorce and Paula in 2014 (not to mention, the whole “Blurred Lines” debacle), Robin Thicke has been more or less silent musically, save for two tracks last year: the promising “Back Together” with Nicki Minaj and “Morning Sun” (which he previously stated was also the name of his forthcoming full-length release). Today, the singer is back with a fresh new effort titled “Deep,” which features a somewhat-surprising appearance from Nas.

On the track, we see the two collaborators taking very different paths to the same conclusion. While Thicke stays in his usual lane of relationship issues, Nas gets creative by turning that very subject into a platform to speak on police brutality and how it relates to his son:

“…they ask me, “Why you ain’t smilin’ Nas?”
Cause I have a son and I die inside when I gotta tell him what was told to me
Can’t play with your water gun son ’cause the police see
A seven years old as a threat
They think it’s right to kill a seven years old on sight ’cause he ain’t white…”

In addition, the legendary rapper also speaks on current Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump, dismissing him as “a toupee wearin'” liar. Sounds pretty accurate.

You can stream Deep in its entirety above, via Soundcloud. Hopefully, this song means that Morning Sun will be arriving in stores sooner than later. A new project from Nas wouldn’t hurt, either.

*Lyrics courtesy of Genius

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BET Network Takes us ‘Inside the Label’

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We’ve all heard the stories of record labels and the ups and downs being contracted with one may cause.  Here and now BET network is taking us all behind the scenes of some of the greats.  Tonight, May 17th at 8:00 ET and 9:00 ET make sure to tune into the first part of the eight-episode-docs-series.  Uptown Records is the first up in the spotlight to dig into all the dirt, good and bad with a Part I and Part II episode of the journey.  Some of Hip Hop’s most iconic labels will be featured  in the eight-week series for one-hour long like, Grand Hustle, Loud Records, Slip-N-Slide, Terror Squad, Ruff Ryders, Disturbing Tha Peace (DTP), and Murder Inc.  

Founder, Andre Harrell will be among the industry insiders like, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, and Guy’s Teddy Riley and Damion Hall giving they’re unique takes on Uptown’s success, legacy, and so much more.  We can expect to see some never-before-seen footage in an up close, first-person narrative kinda way.  The series is executive produced by A. Smith & Co. Productions and DTP co-founders Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Bridges’ manager Chaka Zulu, and Jeff Dixon.

“The dreams and visions; the successes and failures … we want young aspiring entrepreneurs to have a blueprint as to what really goes on in this business and understand how much work it takes,” says DTP’s Dixon of the inspiration behind the series. “We [as African-Americans] also want to document our own history, especially in this industry. This is like our natural resource. No one can tell these stories like us.”

According to Billboard, these are some of the other power players that will be “playing” in each episode of Inside the Label:

Uptown Records: Andre Harrell, Diddy, Jay Z, Mary J. Blige, Babyface, Teddy Riley, Damion Hall, Brett Ratner, Laurieann Gibson, Robin Thicke, Sanaa Lathan, Doug E. Fresh, Al B. Sure, Eddie F, Kim Porter, Father MC, Jeff Redd and Monifah.

Grand Hustle: T.I., Jason Geter, Young Dro, Kevin Liles, Lil Duval, Killer Mike, DJ Toomp and B.O.B.

Loud Records: Steve Rifkind, RZA, Xzibit and E-Swift.

Slip-N-Slide Records: Ted Lucas, Rick Ross, Trick Daddy, Trina and DJ Khaled.

Terror Squad: Fat Joe, DJ Khaled, Noreaga, Cool & Dre and Jesse Terrero.

Ruff Ryders: Joaquin Dean, Darren Dean, Chivon Dean, Swizz Beatz, Eve, The Lox, Irv Gotti, Drag On, DJ Clue, DJ Kool Herc, Lyor Cohen and Jimmy Iovine.

Disturbing Tha Peace: Ludacris, Chaka Zulu, Jeff Dixon, Chingy, Bobby Valentino, Shareefa, Lil Scrappy, Bangladesh, Lil Fate, I-20 and Poon Daddy.

Murder Inc.: Irv Gotti, Ashanti, Ja Rule, Jay-Z, Charlie Baltimore, Kevin Liles and Lyor Cohen.

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Soul singer Robin Thicke, who stunned the audience at the BET Awards this Sunday during the legendary Smokey Robinson tribute with Tori Kelly and Ne-Yo, seems to be moving on with someone he had a one-night stand with.

He sings, “I thought that this love affair, would only last for one night. It turns out that this feeling, I want rest of my life.”

Whether “Morning Sun” parallels his own life (in any way) or it is just a song, this is a big, positive turnaround for Thicke. Last year, he went through a humiliating promotional tour for “Paula”, his previous album and attempt to get back with his (now) ex-wife Paula Patton. Check out the animated lyric video below:

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You can’t have a cookout without good food and you can’t have a pool party without a swimming pool, but those things are never enough to keep the party going. After awhile, bellies get full and people want to dry off. The only way to keep them enthused all night long is to have some good ass music. The summer isn’t here quite yet, but we’re getting prepared early.

5) Robin Thicke ft. Pharell & T.I. – “Blurred Lines”

Only an expert or a drunken fool could find a way to twerk to “Blurred Lines,” but partying isn’t only about twerking. While the video is NSFW, the song itself is socially acceptable anywhere. The subdued, calm vocals and upbeat instrumental are perfect for creating that flirty atmosphere where people can mingle casually without feeling pressured because everyone around them is grinding in a drunken frenzy. Plus, it’s a Robin Thicke song so you can play it at your mom’s barbecue without causing a controversy.

4) A$AP Rocky ft. Skrillex & Bird Nam Nam – “Wild For the Night”

“Fuckin Problems” is out, but don’t count out the man behind it. “Wild For the Night” sits at the intersection of things that are really in right now: Skrillex and deep voices. The song can get a little dull toward the end, but a good DJ will craft the playlist in a way that keeps the energy alive.

3) Major Lazer ft. Elephant Man & Opal – Wind Up

This song is all over the place, but only because it wants you to be. Be warned: this is not a party starter. If you play this too early, your guests will eat all of the hot wings and depart, posthaste! This is a song that should be played right before the party meets its peak. Few things on your playlist will be able to match it, we assure you.

2) Danny Brown x Trampy – “Express Yourself”

This is not the “Express Yourself” by N.W.A. that you know and love. Full capabilities will be shown, but not on the microphone. Danny Brown is doing some serious work right now when it comes to making people #turnup. His screeching voice can’t be handled by all, so some people will stop dancing, but for the people who know what’s up, insanity will ensue. Make sure no one is on or near the pool ledge. There will be elbows.

1) TNGHT – “Acrylics”

It takes a resilient DJ to drop “Acrylics” at a party. There will be hateful stares and some people will even approach the DJ booth shouting, “What the fuck is this?!” but be strong, oh brave one. When that beat drops so will panties, inhibitions, frowns and boxers. Exercise caution.

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