When it comes to legendary songwriters, no list should lack mention of Smokey Robinson.

The Grammy-winning R&B/Soul icon – whose prized penmanship lent Motown’s flagship acts (The Temptations, The Supremes, The Jackson 5, etc.) some of their biggest hits and helped shift the genre into the mainstream – also helped himself to quite a few top 40 hits and millions of albums sold along his storied, nearly 6 decade-long career. Now, at long last, Robinson will see that story brought to the big screen.

Highlighted by years of hitmaking and chart-topping but rocked by drug abuse, extramarital affairs, and more that brought him to the nadir of his career, his tale is reportedly being brought to life by the creators of ‘Ray’ (a film that led actor/singer Jamie Foxx to an Academy Award win in 2005).

Can the magic be recreated?  Smokey sure hopes so and is on the hunt for some big named actors to answer the call.  Look inside for details:
(more…)

1) Mariah Carey – Joy To The World

2) Ed Sheeran & Beyonce  – ‘Perfect’ Duet

3) Xscape – Dream Killa

4) Miguel – Pineapple Skies

5) Whitney Houston – Jesus Loves Me

What are Your Top 5 Songs of The Moment?

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned… or Justin Timberlake, it seems.

Today’s From The Vault pick is JT’s infamous Grammy winning expose, ‘Cry Me A River.’

Masterminded by Timberlake, Timbaland and Scott Storch, ‘River’ was released as the second single from the crooner’s solo debut ‘Justified’ in 2002.

The lyrics, depicting a guy confronting his cheating girlfriend, were the cause of ample controversy at the time; notably as they allegedly relayed the end of Justin and Britney Spears’ high profile relationship.

A global smash, the track fared better than its predecessor ‘Like I Love You’, not only in the US where it peaked at #3 but also worldwide with a #2 placement both in the UK and Australia. It also won him a Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.

***********

If there any doubt as to who JT was aiming for beforehand it was dispelled by the time its accompanying visual was released.

Directed by Francis Lawrence, the video presented Justin in all his stalking glory, trying to get revenge on his lookalike ex by destroying her Malibu house. All while Timbaland waits for him in the rain.

The clip’s was showered with praise and was the most resonating step towards shedding JT’s clean-cut image.

Now on the eve a brand new era – that includes a headlining performance on the Super Bowl stage – we’re glad some of the following are on the cusp of being answered:

Will he go full on Pop with material akin to ‘Can’t Stop The Feeling’? Or will he re-tread the Urban route? And how will he handle the inevitable Janet Jackson questions in an era is ready and willing to call out “cultural appropriation” and other injustices? The list goes on…

Anyhow, what is for sure is that we’re in for a series of very interesting Pop moments courtesy of JT. Something we’re not mad at considering the lack of “event” releases in 2017.

It’s a bit early, but welcome back Justin!

Your thoughts?

Bruno Mars’ ’24k Magic Tour’ isn’t just the the hottest ticket in town, it’s the top ticket in town. Literally.

The dynamo divo has been dominating the live circuit this year and has come out on top of a coveted list.

Details below…

(more…)

R&B’s return to the charts imminent and leading the wave with a unashamedly romantic brand of the genre is the British group Mic Lowry.

Housed by Polydor (home to Lana Del Rey & Haim), the five-piece force skate towards global glory with the release of their latest body of work ‘Mood’ and the excitement surrounding the release of their debut album in 2018.

Love Destiny’s Child? Admire Brandy? Appreciate a little Boyz II Men? This is the group for you.

Listen to their cover of Martin and Blane’s ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas‘ below…

(more…)

In a world in which bum notes, excessive auto-tuning and pedestrian level performances are the norm, acts like the R&B group XSCAPE remain a breath of fresh air.

This year, the quartet put their differences aside to reunite for a comeback tour and a TV show built to support it.

How both are performing? Fantastically.

Why?

The group’s stellar discography and the skill they showcase when delivering it on stage.

Press play to see what mean, below..

(more…)

Janet Jackson is in the final stretch of her ‘State Of The World Tour.’ And ahead of its climax in exactly one week, the fierce 51-year-old is relaxing with her son Eissa.

The diva was spotted with the youngster, who is 11 months, on a beach in Miami today.

True to form when off-stage, Ms. Jackson kept things lo-fi and sported an all black ensemble and kept her son close.

A growing Eissa rocked a t-shirt with the words “Equality” on the front.

A whole lot of cuteness awaits after the jump…

(more…)

John Boyega is making major moves in 2018…and it isn’t even started yet.

For, this week brings with it the release of ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ (in which he stars) and the start of a campaign he’ll use to launch a number of exciting projects he’ll launch alongside his fellow A List peers.

One he’s most proud of? A secret collaboration with Prince William and Prince Harry of England.

Yes, you read that right.

Details below…

(more…)

Remy Ma proved this year that she is not to be messed with. However, that wasn’t enough of a deterrent for outspoken femcee Azealia Banks.

Unbeknownst to the masses, the pair had actually enjoyed a friendly camaraderie. At least over text.

Yet, that was dissolved tonight. Find out why below…

(more…)

SZA serves as one 2017’s definitive breakout stars.

Her arresting brand of R&B has cuffed in legions of new fans, earned her all sorts of acclaim, and seen her stack plaques on plaques on plaques.

Crowning a year of seismic achievements, the soulful songstress was tapped as the musical guest of this evening’s ‘Saturday Night Live’ – hosted by James Franco.

Backed by a full band and charismatic choir, she performed ‘Love Galore’ with its much talked about unreleased verse. She also rocked the house with fan-favorite ‘The Weekend.’

(more…)

This week brought with it the release of K. Michelle‘s new album ‘Kimberly: The People I Used To Know.’

And as if its 21-song tracklist wasn’t generous enough, the R&B songbird has hatched a new video too in the form of ‘F**k Your Man.’

Originally an interlude on the LP, its visual juxtaposes the cut’s playfully provocative lyrics with a vid that glows with retro-flavored glamor.

Watch after the jump…

(more…)

With credibility and commercial value on her side Nicki Minaj remains at the top of Pop and Hip Hop’s chart food chain.

Unimpressed by her winning streak? Fans of the Hip-Hop icon Lil Kim and her former nemesis Remy Ma.

Said fans had hoped the ladies’ collaborative cut ‘Wake Me Up’ would go some way to prove that the gifted ladies were just as chart-worthy as Minaj.

Alas, the song has bombed horribly prompting Nicki’s fans to mock them mercilessly on social media.

(more…)