Category Archives: R&B

Erykah Badu Heats Up Chicago

By Toyin Alaka

Erykah Badu performed at the UIC Pavilion on Friday, December 3, 2010 for the University of Illinois at Chicago’s SEE Benefit, which stands for Supporting Excellence Endowment and benefits outstanding students with strong leadership skills through scholarship programs.

As the band took the stage and started with The Healer, from Badu’s New Amerykah Part Ialbum,  the crowd stirred and waited for her to take the stage. As she came into view, the crowd jumped to its feet to welcome her. Arriving on stage garbed in a hat, scarf and coat, some would think it was due to the Chicago chill, however, Ms. Badu likes to un-layer as the show goes on. 

She launched into an improvised extended version of The Healer. She blended harmonies and moved easily on songs from previous albums up to her latest release,New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh. Her effortless versatility shined as she played an 808 and scatted out old school jams like Afrika Bambaataa’s Planet Rock, Slick Rick’s La-Di-Da-Di and Whodini’s Friends like an old school cabaret singer. Badu concluded the show by performing hits Love of My Life (an Ode to Hip-Hop), On and On, Next Lifetime, Solider, Didn’t Cha Know, Bag Lady and Window Seat.

Photos by Percy Ollie

Dwele Serenades Chicago Fans

R&B singer Dwele performed a live set in Chicago’s south loop entertainment district to a packed crowd of more than 600 VIP’s and fans on November 27.  Produced by Christi with an Eye, the sold-out event brought out hip-hop/soul artist Pennjamin Bannekar, DJ Major Taylor and R&B band Verzatile as the show’s opening acts. The event was promoted by Lucid Entertainment.

The concert was hosted by author Zondra Hughes and comedian & radio personality Leon Rogers and sponsored by Fase2Fase.com, the world first social networking website for minority small businesses and WorldWideWaddie.com.

Fans sung along with Dwele during his 45 minute set of his hits that included “I’m Cheatin” “I Think I Love You” and “What’s Not To Love.”  He closed his set by performing his last two songs in the audience and dancing with female fans.  

“It was an amazing show! I love working with Dwele and very glad he allowed me to bring him back to the Chicago market where he has so many fans who love him and his music,” stated the event’s producer Christi With an Eye.

Photo by Rich P and Charles Young

El DeBarge LIVE @ The Shrine Chicago

One of the original heartthrobs in R&B music is back in a major way.  R&B singer/songwriter El DeBarge performed an intimate, sold out set of his greatest hits on November 5that The Shrine Chicago nightclub. Backed by the house bands Verzatile and Zzaje, DeBarge romanticized the women with extended renditions of his classics All This Love and I Like It. DeBarge also performed singles from his upcoming CD Second Chance.

Originally scheduled to perform a 25-minute set, El told the crowd, “I have to give you a few more songs,” and concluded with a festive instrumentation of Rhythm of the Night. The new CD will hit stores on November 30. For more information on El DeBarge, visit www.eldebargemusic.com. For more performance photos, visit www.theshrinechicago.com.com.

 

 

  Photo by Rich P

Budweiser Superfest hits Chicago

By Dan Locke

Universal Motown Records singer-songwriter-producer KEM has joined forces with R&B/soul singers Anthony Hamilton, Jaheim, Raheem DeVaughn, and Universal Motown label-mate Hal Linton for the 2010 Budweiser Superfest that kicked off last month (August).

Co-headlined by KEM and Anthony Hamilton, the anticipated summer powerhouse tour will make stops at a mix of arenas and amphitheaters across the U.S.

A live performer who commands the stage with his soulful vocal ability and captivating stage presence, KEM promises to deliver a standout live experience not to be missed. In addition to revisiting popular classics such as “Love Calls” and “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” the Detroit native will also showcase his new single, “Why Would You Stay,” plus other songs from his third studio album, “Intimacy,” that was released in August.

Photos by Dan Locke

The Lexus Listening Lounge: After the Show with Melanie Fiona

By Sommer Thornton

Beauty, brains, and a voice is an understatement to what newcomer Melanie Fiona brings to the R&B game. Tuesday night she performed in Chicago as part of the Lexus Listening Lounge – promotion of Lexus’ GS, ES, and the ISC convertible. Lexus produced a showroom style soiree inside the Chicago Illuminating Company downtown. The large courtyard and mansion-like foyer was the perfect milieu for socialites and businessmen to mingle and check out Lexus’ sleek new whips.  

Melanie Fiona, a Toronto native, showed the audience her eclectic vocal style and her lively stage presence singing notable hits, Give it to Me Right, It Kills Me, and Monday Morning. The audience was already feeling Fiona’s exotic beauty, and her passionate lyrics. But when she went into her rendition of Bob Marley’s classic, “One Love” –to a smooth reggae groove, she set the roof off! “Where my Shottas at,” Melanie called out, channeling her West Indian roots.

Melanie proved she’s a unique artist focused on entertaining her real fans with an exciting performance. Fiona even sang her own version of Kanye West’s Heartless, digressing from her song, Somebody Come Get Me [Before I Kill This Man].”By the end the audience was captivated by the luxurious ambiance and this novel songwriter with the amazing voice. 

After her performance, Melanie chatted with UnRated Urban about touring with Alicia Keys, breaking down barriers in the industry, and love.

UnRated Urban: What barriers have you already busted down-either on the business side or the creative side of the industry?

MELANIE: I’m an attractive girl, rooted in music and not in gimmick and everything else. I’m more concerned about giving a good show, making sure everyone has fun. I want people to take my music seriously, so I purposely chose to go along a different path.

UnRated Urban: I saw you rocking on stage. You didn’t care how you looked. You were having a great time, so the audience fed off your vibe.

MELANIE: When you care too much about what everyone thinks about you, you’re not living your best life. Cause you’re too consumed with other peoples opinions.

UnRated Urban: How is your sound received by the R&B Soul community in the States vs. Canada vs. Europe?

MELANIE: Different songs came out in Europe and Canada. So it was fun to see how different countries responded to different sides of me.

UnRated Urban: What song brings out the most memories when you perform it?

MELANIE: It Kills Me, is the most memorable. I was in the thick of it when I wrote that song. So I put my all into it when I perform it. I always go back to that time in my life. Sometimes I get emotional while I’m performing it.

UnRated Urban: There is that line in the song that says “I know you’re messing around, but who else is gonna hold me down” You have to really be in love to understand that line.

MELANIE: Yes you have to be in that situation to understand. But yes I was saying I have your back, but no one has my back. I’ve learned that that’s not good in a relationship.

UnRated Urban: What is your view on love these days? Did you find that making this cd changed your opinion on love?

MELANIE: I believe in self love first. You gotta be happy with yourself before you can expect someone else to love you. When it’s right, it finds you. I want to find love. I feel that it’s necessary. I’ve been on the bad and good side. I love myself now.

UnRated Urban: Give me one word to describe your experience touring with Alicia Keys.

MELANIE: Enlightenment – on so many levels. She was such a joy. She was so pleasant and genuine.

UnRated Urban: What have you learned touring with A. Keys this first time around?

MELANIE: I learned humility, positivity. I grew because I was able to see some flaws and become better.

UnRated Urban: Have you had the opportunity to meet any of your idols?

MELANIE:Yes- Alicia Keys, Prince, India Arie, Brandy, Janelle Monáe – I can relate to her because she’s new and she’s a strong woman who’s refusing to let the industry change her.

UnRated Urban: Both of your parents are musicians, your father a guitarist, your mother a singer: What song are you most proud to share with your parents?

MELANIE: There is a song I just tweeted about. It has no title. But it delves deep in to the core of who I am. One line says, “You treat my dreams like it’s a game -like I’m a chess piece here for play” I’m really excited to share it with my parents.

Photos by Raymond Boyd

Erykah Badu at Lollapalooza

By Dan Locke

It was a different type of performance at this year’s Lollapalooza. I was turn down for a photo pass but I did have a ticket for one day so I used it to see Erykah Badu.

Sporting a new blonde mohawk, Badu started out being late as usual with her band starting things off with a ten-minute intro before she hit the stage.

She performed an hour set that included Out My Mind, Just in Time, On & On, Apple Tree, Annie (Don’t Wear No Panties), Didn’t Cha Know, Bump It, The Healer, 20 Feet Tall and Penitentiary Philosophy.

Recap of 2010 Essence Music Festival

By Tamara Jenkins

2010 marked the 16th year of the Essence Music Festival that celebrates the best and brightest in entertainment and it did not disappoint.

Described as the Ultimate Party Weekend,  this year’s festival was held July 2-4 in New Orleans, Louisiana and  included free daily empowerment seminars with some of the nation’s most influential speakers, authors and leaders,  and, of course music, with a triple dose of female power with Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige and Alicia Keys as the musical headliners.

For those who have yet to experience the festival, it is a combination of free, themed seminars during the day and concerts in the evening held this year in the Louisiana Superdome. Performances are a broken up between the main stage where opening acts and headliners perform and in super lounges around the main stage where mini-concerts are performed.

Terry and Rebecca Crews speaking at a relationship seminar

Seminars topics included love and relationships, education in the black community and an all star gospel salute to Kirk Franklin, Pastor Shirley Caesar and Bishop Paul and Pastor Debra Morton. Seminar highlights included Q&A’s with actor/comedian Steve Harvey and actress Jada Pinkett Smith, Bill Cosby delivering an Educational Keynote, Getting Your Life Back by Dr. Juanita Bynum, Where Do We Go From Here? by Reverend Al Sharpton and Reclaiming Our Youth: Purpose, Principles and Power Mentoring by Bishop TD Jakes.

LL Cool J, Jill Scott & Trey Songz

A music lovers paradise awaited ticket holders nightly with performances by Monica, Raphael Saadiq, Charlie Wilson, Keri Hilson, LL Cool J, Gladys Knight, Trey Songz, Jill Scott, Earth Wind & Fire on the main stage and Lalah Hathaway, Arrested Development, Ruben Studdard, De La Soul, Mary Mary, Mint Condition, Joe, Laura Izibor, Chrisette Michele, Ledisi, Melanie Fiona and more in the super lounges.

A top notch show from Janet Jackson on Friday included various costume changes ranging from an outer space Playboy Bunny outfit, that would make Hugh Hefner smile, to menswear and circus themed clothing as she sang hits Control, Pleasure Principle, What Have You Done For Me Lately; ballads Again, Let’s Wait Awhile, Come Back To Me and dance favorites Nasty Boys, Doesn’t Matter and If.  During Jackson’s first intermission, scenes from her television and film work were played on screens.

On Saturday, rumors swirled around the Superdome expectant mother Alicia Keys wasn’t going to perform and Jada Pickett Smith was going to deliver the news, but Ms. Keys did show, walking onto the stage hours after her scheduled time to perform an uninteresting, rushed set that included Like You’ll Never, Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart, Un-thinkable (I’m Ready), Empire State of Mind, and Superwoman. Unimpressed or upset over the long wait, concertgoers began leaving 25 minutes into her show.

Mary J. Blige

On Sunday, master show woman Mary J. Blige had everyone on their feet. Shimmery, sequined jacket, signature sunglasses, the Mary J swagger was in effect as she sang Real Love, I Love You, Love No Limit, All Night Long, No More Drama and I’m Going Down and Good Love with Trey Songz joining her onstage.

Overall, the Essence Music Festival was an informative, educational and entertaining event that is not to be missed in 2011. 

Photos by Dan Locke

Trey Songz and Teairra Mari Bring Young & Sexy to the Taste of Chicago

By Sommer Thornton

Recently, Trey Songz and Teairra Mari headlined the Taste of Chicago festival at the Pertrillo Music Shell. Both performed for a crowd that spilled from the gates of the lawn to the back of the stage. Some could only listen from beyond the gates, but those who arrived early enough witnessed a great show featuring two exciting young performers.

With the success of her hit “Sponsor,” 22 year-old R&B junior Teairra Mari is finally showing the world her versatile swag. This pint-sized diva commanded the stage – rocking parachute pants, stilettos, and hair to her waist. With an angelic voice and spunky sophistication, Teairra Mari taunted the men in the crowd. “I’m a classy lady – 90% of the time. But sometimes I gotta get a little hood,” Mari asserted before she sang,” Cause a Scene,” her feisty club banger featuring Flo Rida. Teairra Mari also showed off her rap skills freestyling a verse for the cut “Coins”.

Mari took a moment to address all those who criticize the subject matter of her ladies anthem, “Sponsor,” which boasts about a man financially supporting her and showering her with gifts. “Anything I ask for from my sponsor he go and buy-buy-buy-buy” Mari sang acapella. Ladies in the crowd sang along. “Let me just say to those who said I don’t have a job,” Mari said. “I do have a job. My sponsor is my job.”

Mari has made her own strides to the top. She got her first taste of commercial success in 2005 with her debut album, Roc-A-Fella Records Presents: Teairra Mari, which featured the hit single, “Make Her Feel Good,” with Jay-Z.  Now, Teairra Mari has reemerged sassier with more polished vocals. She’s currently working on her third album, “At That Point,” which will feature rap stars Nicki Minaj, Soldier Boy, Gucci Mane, and Rick Ross.

Both Mari and R&B crooner, Trey Songz are blowing up commercially mainly due to their clever lyrics and outstanding vocal ability. Trey Songz is featured on more than 5 singles currently in heavy radio rotation. And his collaborations with Mary J. Blige, Drake, and Ludacris are climbing both the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot R&B/ Hip-Hop charts.

Certified platinum, Trey Songz felt the love from his adoring female fans and envious male supporters. Once Tiearra Mari’s performance ended, girls chanted “We Want Trey!” They’d filled the lawn area more than 3 hours before his show began – and when Trey belted out his first note, they rushed the stage. Excitement couldn’t be contained by festival security as Trey Songz sang some of his sexy hits, “Neighbors Know My Name,” Jupiter Love,” and “Panty Droppa.” When he hit those high notes and raised his shirt, ladies young and old went crazy.

Songz has become one of the most creative balladeers in the industry, among greats like Brian McKnight, Maxwell, and Luther Vandross. Yet his best quality is undoubtedly his humbleness.  Trey told the crowd how he persevered from a childhood in a tough Virginia neighborhood without his father by staying focused and determined. His grind included making cameos on numerous rap singles, releasing mix tapes, and performing in small venues for nearly nothing compared to what he makes now.  

Since February, Songz has been touring with Jay-Z and Young Jeezy on the Blueprint 3 tour. In just a few years, the 25-year-old has done what most R&B artists couldn’t accomplish in 30+ years. Trey Songz is a prolific songwriter, sex symbol, and outstanding performer. He even freestyles. Now he can add headlining the largest music festival in the world to his list of accomplishments. He and Teairra Mari are on the fast track to the top, and Chicago is showing them nothing but love.

Photos by Raymond Boyd

Heineken Inspire

By Tamara Jenkins

D-Nice and DJ Jazzy Jeff spinning amid three floors of food, games and a plentiful supply of Heineken all awaited those lucky enough to snag a ticket to the exclusive, invitation only Heineken Inspire event held June 26 in Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood.

The two day event featured souvenir silk screened t-shirts, customized Rolling Stone Magazinecover photos, Wii games, movies, Heineken tasting areas and performances (on June 26) by rapper J. Cole and R&B crooner Ryan Leslie.

J. Cole

The day’s first performance was by J. Cole. Cole, the first artist signed to rap mogul Jay Z’s new label, Roc Nation, held his own on the stage, performing with ease amid the humidity; his impressive mic skills kept fans cool during “Lights Please” and “Who Dat” while Leslie gave a soulful performance, backed by a band, he performed a few songs including hits “Diamond Girl” and “Addiction”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In between performances, brief interviews were granted and UnRated Urban got a chance to speak with DJ Jazzy Jeff and Ryan Leslie.

DJ Jazzy Jeff-

How did you get involved with Heineken Inspire?
I’ve done some events with Heineken in the past and they asked me to do a few (cities); I’m doing Chicago, Philly and Los Angeles. Whenever I work with them, the vibe is always great.

Do you have any upcoming projects, anything you’re working on right now?
Right now, I’m  just in the process of doing a lot of touring, I usually do that into the Fall and then I kinda take a break and go in the studio and figure out musically what I’m going to do next. I’m just going to keep rolling until September, October, then take about a month off, and do some brain time.

Who are some of the artists that you like right now?
I’m weird because I like all kinds of stuff. I would definitely say someone like Drake, I love the Roots, love the Roots new album, Esperanza Spalding, I’m all over the place, I really like J. Cole, it’s funny that he’s here. It’s a refreshing time in music with guys like Drake and J. Cole and the Roots it’s not just the typical things you would (be) use to hearing on the radio; people are starting to stretch like they did in the 70s and 80s. 

Ryan Leslie-

What have you been working on? Can you talk about some of your upcoming projects?
(on the) Production side, I just worked with Ne Yo. (I have a) record with Game featuring Lil Wayne and Bird Man, worked with Keri Hilson, two records with Asher Roth and my forth coming album called Les Is  Moore will be out in the Fall.

What do you think about artists today, like, Lady Gaga or Drake?
I just love artists who aren’t afraid to be expressive and really utilize all of their resources and relationships to make and convey the most powerful messages that they possibly can so as long as artists are doing that, then I respect them.   

Anyone new you really like right now. Someone people may not know about (yet to be discovered talent)?
A kid named Miguel that just opened for me in New York City and (he) has a record with J. Cole; he’s a talented writer and he’s on J Records.

Photos courtesy of  Heineken USA

Aloe Blacc at the Shrine

Aloe Blacc Show
The Shrine Chicago
Thursday, June 17, 2010

By Toyin Alaka

Right at 12:30 a.m. a band called Grand Scheme does a warm up for Aloe Blacc.  Just the name Aloe Blacc would raise a few eyebrows; however if you watched the HBO series How to Make It In America, then you’ve heard Aloe Blacc in the theme song “I Need A Dollar” and you quite simply as I did, had to find out who he was. 

From the tilt of his hat to the dark jacket’s popped lapel along with a scarf around his neck down to the pants and shoes he could easily be a reincarnation of Marvin Gaye or  from the first wail of his voice could be Bill Withers or easily Al Green.  He gives us all our beloved favorites and yet he is quite simply Aloe Blacc.  

Aloe Blacc is a funky, soulful and passionate singer all is evident as he sang Bill Withers “Use Me”, and then his own song “Hey There Brother”.  He does a rendition of “Love & Happiness” that acts as an intro to a song of his about people who make you smile.  He performed a bluesy rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” before performing “I Need a Dollar”. 

He held the audience in the palm of his hands the entire evening with his storytelling and soulful voice.  He is comfortable with himself and his music.  I cannot wait to hear more when his album entitled “Good Things” drops September 14, 2010.