In an industry now inundated with watered down and flavour-deficient R&B, Charlie Puth is a breath of fresh air.
On his last album ‘Voicenotes’, the entertainer successfully merged Pop, R&B & Gospel to create a soulful universe powered by tales of jealousy (‘Attention‘), short-lived love affairs (‘LA Girls‘), the perils of fame (‘The Way I Am‘) and inequality (‘Change‘).
Now he is ready to deliver its follow-up and will launched its campaign with the unveiling of its lead single ‘Girlfriend.’
As celebrate the fathers and father figures of the world today, From The Vault journeys back to 2003, when one of the founding fathers of modern R&B was releasing his final album.
Today’s pick is ‘Dance With My Father’ by the late, great Luther Vandross.
‘Dance’ was one of many acclaimed gems that could be found on the four-time GRAMMY-winning album of the same name. Written by Vandross and Richard Marx, it dealt centered on happy childhood memories the singer had of his dad – who died due to complications of diabetes.
Because he was hospitalized at the time of the song’s release, Vandross wasn’t able to promote it. Still, it became one of the most requested songs at the time, and was a Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. It topped the Adult R&B Songs charts and peaked at #21 in the UK.
The video for the jam was shot while the singer was still hospitalized. It featured various famous friends of his, some appearing with their fathers, some with their kids and others alone with pictures of them and their deceased loved ones. Beyoncé, Monica, Brian McKnight, Babyface, Stevie Wonder, and Celine Dion all appear alongside many others.
Throwback images of Luther are also shown throughout the visual.
Before he passed in 2005, Luther Vandross was able, with this song and parent album, to remind the world that it was his unique brand of R&B that birthed a plethora of chart-topping artists. Put simply, that he was your favorite artist’s favorite artist.
We send love and light to all the kings out there. May they continue to teach, nurture and inspire us.
J. Alexander Keung is learning that his involvement in the murder of the African-American father George Floyd will follow him for the rest of his life.
Waiting below is footage from an incident which took place hours ago which saw the alleged murderer confronted by a woman who recognised him as he purchased groceries with a friend.
Unfortunately, his efforts to silence the young woman with niceties failed, and saw him score just a taste of the rage he can expect to face in the years to come.
Beyonce whipped fans into a frenzy with the midnight release of new song‘Black Parade.’
An unapologetic celebration of Blackness, the track’s arrival was timed to coincide with Juneteenth – the annual day to commemorate emancipation from slavery. It also lands amidst the global debate about racial inequality following the death of unarmed Black man George Floyd.
Upon the song’s unleashing, Queen Bey confirmed that proceeds will benefit various small Black businesses by way of her BeyGOOD foundation.
Alicia Keys and John Legend celebrated Juneteenth in momentous fashion.
For, the piano playing superstars went head-to-head in a celebratory #VERZUZ battle.
Broadcast on the platform’s channel, viewers watched as the GRAMMY winners sparred with classics such as ‘If I Ain’t Got You’ and ‘All Of Me,’ as well newer numbers too.
