Today’s From The Vault journeys back to the end of the 90’s. This week, we give you Monifah’s sassy number ‘Touch It.’

The lead single from the singer’s sophomore set ‘Mo’hogany,’ ‘Touch’ was produced by Jack Knight and Mario Winans in 1998.

It became Monifah’s biggest hit reaching Top 10 status both on the US Hot 100 and Hot Hip-Hop/R&B – #9 on the respective tallies. In Canada, the cut peaked at #15 and was a Top 30 single in the UK.

It’s fascinating hearing just how similar this song sounds to what would rule the charts a whole decade later. It wouldn’t be a stretch saying that this very track could have been featured on Britney Spears’ ‘Blackout’ LP.

****************

In the tune’s accompanying video, which was directed by Chris Robinson, Monifah and her army dancers perform for the American troops, who appear to want nothing more than to… touch them.

****************

Unfortunately, things never really picked up following the success of this song for the talented artist whose great potential seemingly wasn’t enough to guarantee a place in the sun on the then-burgeoning R&B scene.

Still, she delivered a classic for the ages that is still being celebrated today. So for that, we give an eternal salute. 

Your thoughts?

Is she or isn’t she?

Shortly after producer extraordinaire Hitmaka took to press this week to reveal Tinashe had signed to Roc Nation for management (as we reported here), the songstress was spotted outside of Craig’s in West Hollywood and quizzed by the press to confirm the rumor.

Her response was interesting to say the least.  Hear it inside:

(more…)


Last night saw Ciara set sail on the ‘Beauty Marks Tour’ and she brought a bevy of hits with her.

Super Ci kicked off the US trek at the Washington State Fair and did not disappoint.

Backed by an army of dancers, the performer blazed through fan favorites such as ‘Level Up,’ ‘Goodies,’ and ‘1, 2 Step,’ and newer numbers such as ‘Dose.’

The tour, which has been mounted in support of the singer’s ‘Beauty Marks’ album, will feature stops in the likes of Los Angeles, New York, and Atlanta, before wrapping up in Chicago next month.

Peep clips below…

(more…)

Sam Smith has long been a bold lyricist and now the British belter is extending said boldness into the public sphere.

For, the 27-year-old has announced that they identify as a non-binary gender and wants to be referred to as such. Hence, instead of being “he/him” it’ll be “they/them.”

Smith’s words below…

(more…)

Megan Thee Stallion looks poised to scale to higher heights. Because, it’s just been announced that she’s signed to Jay-Z‘s Roc Nation.

Full story below…

(more…)

June’s Diary have delivered a double dose of newness with the release their ‘Take Your Time’ care-package.

The freshly unwrapped set is comprised of songs ‘I Ain’t With It’ and ‘Stuntin.’

As for the title of the mini-set, ‘Take Your Time’ references the quintet’s progress over the past three years as an independent music group and serves as a nod to the group’s resilience and strength as they forge ahead on their path to ownership as African-American creatives and uplifting women through storytelling

It comes on the heels of their 2018 EP ‘All Of Us.’

With a debut album still incoming, check out the latest from Kristal, Ashly, Brienna, Gabby,  and Shyann below…

(more…)

Much like the Brandy and Monica, Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears, and other reported female celebrity feuds of history, the catalyst of the beef often derives from external sources.  The aforementioned ladies are just a few who have cited ‘the industry’ (which also includes labels and fans) as the impetus of their rivalries which, ironically, later transformed what was once-rumored into reality.

Chance the Rapper believes that exact circumstance applies to the bad blood between rapstresses Cardi B & Nicki Minaj.  The 26-year-old, still hot on the promo trail in support of his debut studio album – ‘The Big Day’ – took to ‘Big Boy’ to discuss a number of happenings in his life including fatherhood, his delayed arena tour, and more.  When addressing ‘industry politics’ Chance took the chance to discuss his feelings on the beef between B and Minaj.

As he’s in a unique position to do so (having collaborated with both of them in the past), look inside to hear just what he said:

(more…)

Nicki Minaj isn’t the only musician calling for an end to online bullying.

Jesy Nelson, one member of the brilliant girl group Little Mix, is speaking up and out about her experiences in the music industry and how vile abuse launched at her by cowards online drove her into a deep sadness and stifling depression.

The star teamed up with the BBC to create a show named ‘Odd One Out’ which sees her bare all on what happened when she became a member of the group (formed by Kelly Rowland) and was thrust into the public eye.

Today, she is a survivor.


Jesy’s story below…

(more…)

Rihanna continues to use her platform propagate noteworthy causes.

Last night saw RiRi host the 5th Annual Diamond Ball, in benefit of her Clara Lionel Foundation – which strives to help impoverished communities across the globe, with healthcare, education programs, and more.

This year’s fundraiser brought with it performances from the likes of Pharell Williams and DJ Khaled, and was attended by Cardi B, Normani, Megan Thee Stallion, Kehlani + new boo YG, A$AP Rocky, and several others.

Head below to see some of your favorite names and ours shine bright like a diamond…
(more…)

Afrobeats king Wizkid is back and aiming to blaze with new single ‘Ghetto Love’ – the video for which premiered moments ago.

The flavorsome jam is the latest taste of long-awaited album ‘Made In Lagos,’ which is expected in the coming months.

Its arrival comes on the heels of Beyonce collaboration ‘Brown Skin Girl,’ an anthem that has earned praise aplenty for its empowering and uplifting ethos. It’s also been equally hailed for further bridging the gap between Afrobeats and the Western music sphere.

Watch below as Wiz continues his charge towards global domination below…

(more…)

Small talk wouldn’t exactly be the best way to describe the conversation between #KatyCats as they slammed their fave, Katy Perry, for mishandling her latest two singles, ‘Never Really Over’ and ‘Small Talk’ (the first releases from her yet-titled sixth studio album).  While the former initially promised to be a return to chart glory for the 34-year-old with its #15 debut on the Hot 100, the latter – with a #81 peak on the same tally –  never really got off to a fighting start even after its accompanying music video premiered to critical acclaim.

For the tunes to have reached their respective peaks organically suggested, at the very minimum, the buying public was still receptive to what Miss Perry has to offer.  A feat that, if aided with proper promotion – the Cats believe – would give them a much needed boost toward higher peaks and longevity on the charts.  The absence of that awareness building only led their frustration from heated to boiling once it was announced the diva would be taking to television yet again to promote a venture that was unrelated to her new music.

See what we mean inside:

(more…)

As of time reported, Megan Thee Stallion‘s riding high with not one, but TWO Hot 100 Top 40 hits courtesy of the Nicki Minaj & Ty Dolla $ign-assisted, ‘Hot Girl Summer’ (#21), and DaBaby-assisted hit, ‘Cash Sh*t’ (#36).

To give each cut a boost, the 24-year-old’s continuing her trot across the promo trail in their respective supports.  Just two weeks after giving the former its television debut (click here to watch), Stallion – with help from Ty and DaBaby – gave fans another live taste of ‘Summer’ before the season comes to its official close.  Taking to ‘The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon’ on Thursday (September 12), she also rendered a rendition of ‘Cash’ for good measure.

See how she fared inside:
(more…)

**