New Music: Heavy D is back with Long Distance Girlfriend

Heavy D has always been one of my favorites. Back in the day when one of his songs came on in the club, you had no choice but to hit the dance floor. I sweated out many a perm cabbage patch'in to "Mr. Big Stuff". And now I'm ready to hit the dance floor again to his new song, "Long Distance Girlfriend". Check out the video featuring actress Nia Long as his love interest. LOVE IT!

Fall Music Reviews

Joe

It’s a new beginning for Joe with the release of “New Man.” Coming out of the shadows of Jive Records, Joe is his own man on 563 Music Kedar Entertainment group. Accompanied by a host of industry heavy weights… Nas, The Game, Busta Rhymes, Mario, Trey Songs, Snoop and P. Diddy; Joe pulls out all the stops. "Why Just be Friends” is a new two-step anthem that I can hold my drink to and hum along. The smooth falsetto vocals are favorable. This mid-temp track expresses the dilemma of a man trying to take a friendship to the next level; as Joe calls it, “gets caught in the friend zone too many times.” In “ER” he parallels his plight for love with a medical emergency that is sure to please the die-hard Joe enthusiast. Also look for the Secret Garden-like “We Need to Roll” featuring Trey Songs and Mario. Joe Thomas: New Man is in stores now.

Solange Knowles

This chic R&B darling is changing up the game with her highly anticipated sophomore album, Sol-Angel and The Hadley Street Dreams. Solange Knowles is redefining her game, with her first single “I Decided” which is firing up on the Billboard Dance singles chart. The finger snappin’ refreshing second single “Sandcastle Disco” is indeed the invigorating sounds that radio has been missing.

Janelle Monae

The latest addition to Diddy’s band of merry men on Bad Boy Records is the futuristic, soulful and pure genius that is Janelle Monae. The extraordinary afro-Punk Darling just released Metropolis: The Chase Suite, her second EP which furnishes fans with a dose of high tech, and new wave sounds, adding perpetual hunger for what her debut album will sound like when it hits stores at the top of 2009.

Q-Tip

Innovator and Hip-Hop Icon Q-Tip hits the pavement with his new release The Renaissance. Fresh off the Rock the Bells tour Q-Tip is ready to work it. With the intro voiced by presidential hopeful, Barack Obama we have to give Q-Tip a virtual high-five. Although I wasn’t moved by his first single “Work it Out,” (His Budweiser commercial was more enjoyable) I’ll give this rap pioneer a hood pass. I’m sure the album will be much better when it’s released November 4th, with guest appearances from Common, Andre’ 3000 and the resurface of D’Angelo. I’m routing for your Tip!

Eric Benet

Love & Life are moving in the right direction for Eric Benet. With total creative control, Eric has produced a sound of pure soul that feels like a personal hug. The lead single “You’re the Only One,” is the perfect back drop while unwinding on the couch with a cup of tea or a relaxing in an aromatherapy bath. Eric’s honesty cuts like a knife in “Still I Believe” sharing his perfect moments and moments of despair. Eric’s music is moving and motivating. He is a music lovers dream. Light a candle and indulge.

Karen Vaughn with Envogue at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

The Working Divas met the Funky Divas at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival at Disney World this past weekend. Envogue is one of my favorite groups. So when I was asked to broadcast from the Epcot Food and Wine Festival this year during Envogue's weekend of performances, I just had to be in the house. During the concert everyone was on their feet dancing and having a good time. We sang from the first song to the last. They loved the energy of the crowd so much they did a version of "Hold On" that was electric! Terry, Dawn, Maxine and Rhona were amazing and they look incredible! Check out concert pictures below:

Private Robin Thicke Listening Session

Saturday night I surprised my good friend Sharanda to a “Girl’s Night Out.” Little did she know that she would be spending it with her favorite singer Robin Thicke.

As we walked through the garden of the Delano Hotel on South Beach we felt the magic in the air. While waiting for Robin’s arrival we sipped on Strawberry Navanas and chatted with friends. It felt like a “Sexy in the City” moment: the girls hanging out talking love, fashion, and work as we waited to be serenaded by Robin Thicke.

When he arrived the room exploded with cheers and hand claps. With a simple hello, Robin sat behind a stunning transparent piano in the “Florida Room” and smiled graciously to everyone. Once he starting playing, silence settled as his sultry voice created a trance as he sang cuts from the new album. I caught myself having an EnVogue moment. (you remember the “Giving Him Something He Can Feel” video, right?) Yet, the tables were reversed as the ladies were watching Robin make the audience melt during “Lost Without You.” Then, in an instant, Robin got the party started with his new single “Magic” which turned the room into the scene from the “Good Times” portrait. Everyone dancing enjoying the good life and looking fabulous.

Check our pictures with Robin and his lovely wife actress Paula Patton. Robin’s new release, “Something Else” hits stores September 30th.

Concert Review: Maze featuring Frankie Beverly and Lyfe Jennings

I had the pleasure of hosting the Heart & Soul Tour starring the legendary Maze featuring Frankie Beverly and Lyfe Jennings Saturday evening (Aug 2nd) at the James L. Knight Center in Miami.

Lyfe Jennings is a true performer that revealed his soul and passion. Once Frankie hit the stage...it was a NON-STOP Party. During the song "Running Away"...Frankie really got into it jumping around continuously on stage. The energy was electric! Everyone was on their feet. Shout out to Tamikia of Hair Xscape in Miami Gardens. She was on the floor with her crew grooving all night looking fabulous!