This year marks the 30th anniversary of the legendary New York City club Giant Step. To celebrate we took a look at the club’s ’90s heyday, hearing from the voices who lived it. By now, hip-hop’s lineage with jazz, funk, and soul has a well-trodden history. From being highly sampled in golden era classics to … Read moreA Brief But In-Depth History of Giant Step, The Pioneering Club That…
Ahead of the 20-year anniversary of Mama’s Gun, a retrospective look on why Erykah Badu’s sophomore album is better than her debut. “Never expect anything from an artist because we like to change and grow. Music is therapy and depending on what I need, that’s what I put out. I never underestimate the audience’s ability … Read moreErykah Badu’s ‘Mama’s Gun’ Is Better Than ‘Baduizm’
We spoke with R&B singer Xavier Omär about his new album, his background in the church, and how getting married affected his songwriting. Xavier Omär taught himself to play the drums when he was a child. He played by ear in countless churches throughout his life. “I would just listen, repeat the sound back in … Read moreXavier Omär Reimagines Himself on His New Album ‘if You Feel’
On the first Friday of every month, we highlight one artist on the rise. For October’s First Look Friday, We spoke with R&B singer Saleka about her influences, representation for Indian Americans, the advantages of being the daughter of M. Night Shymalan, and more. Saleka grew up in a household where her creativity was supported … Read moreFirst Look Friday: R&B Singer Saleka Announces Herself With Debut Single “Clarity”
JaRon Marshall explores feelings of rage, power, pride, and, ultimately, peace, throughout the project’s four tracks. It’s easy to fall into the head-bobbing funk of “Last June,” the track that kicks off JaRon Marshall‘s The Black Power Tape. Then, the soulful croon of vocalist James Robinson comes in, uttering the names of people we’ve heard all … Read moreJaRon Marshall’s “The Black Power Tape” Is A Soulful Remedy [Premiere]
SZA has released the first single from her upcoming album. It’s been three years since SZA has released her classic debut, CTRL. Fans have been getting impatient. But now we can officially say that SZA is back. The TDE singer has released her neo-soul-influenced single “Hit Different,” which features Ty Dolla $ign and is produced … Read moreSZA Connects with Ty Dolla $ign & Neptunes for New Single “Hit…
Photo Credit: Josh Brasted/FilmMagic Before Jill Scott and Erykah Badu battle it out on Verzus this weekend, listen to 14 of their most notable collaborations. On Saturday, May 9th, Jill Scott and Erykah Badu — two R&B legends — will go head-to-head in the next installment of Swizz Beatz and Timbaland’s hit Instagram Live series … Read more14 Great Jill Scott & Erykah Badu Collaborations to Listen to Before They Battle it Out on ‘Verzuz’