Category Archives: R&B

Kelly Rowland Listening Party

Former Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland recently had a listening party for her soon to be released CD June 16, 2010 at Hudson Hall in New York City.

Attendees included Star Jones, President of Universal Motown Records, Sylvia Rhone and Gayle King who interviewed Rowland during the event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos courtesy of Universal Music

Maxwell and Jill Scott Summer Tour

R&B superstars Maxwell and Jill Scott brought their summer tour to the United Center on May 25th. Maxwell performed songs from his latest CD “BLACKsummers’night”  while Scott sang some of her hits.

 

 

 

 

Photos by Dan Locke

Bilal at the Double Door

Neo Soul singer Bilal performed for a standing room only crowd at Chicago’s Double Door on March 27, 2010.

Chrisette Michele at the House of Blues

Music’s next generation of R&B was in the building March 10th as Chrisette Michele brought her Epiphany tour to Chicago’s House of Blues. Supporting Michele on the tour is opening act Laura Izibor who began her set with “What Would You Do”.

Gracious and energetic, the singer kept her set short and simple performing songs from her debut CD “Let the Truth Be Told” that included “If Tonight Was My Last”, “Don’t Stay, “I’ll Be Your Baby” and concluded with her hit” From My Heart To Yours”.

An old school soul with hip hop swagga possibly picked up from collaborations with Nas (Can’t Forget About You), Jay-Z (Lost Ones), Game (Let Us Live) and the Roots (Rising Up), Michele strutted onto the stage wearing a cropped black leather jacket over a white tank top amid the roaring crowd performing “Epiphany” followed by “What You Do” from her sophomore CD, her first to debut at number one on Billboard.

 No more “I’m sorry”…..”I love you”……I need proof…..Baby boy it’s all in what you do

Her performance included new songs (“Mr. Right”,  “All I Ever Think About”, “Porcelain Doll”, “Another One”) as well as songs from her debut CD “I Am” (“Golden, “Best of Me”). Michele amazed the standing room only crowd as she sang, sounding just like the CD, hitting low and high notes perfectly.

Laura Iziabor and Chrisette Michele are truly remarkable and talented performer weather it’s through the speakers of your car stereo or live in front of your eyes.

Usher: Raymond v. Raymond

Usher, Raymond Vs. Raymond

Usher, Raymond Vs. Raymond

Usher: Raymond v. Raymond
by Mozelle Ellis

We loved Confessions by Usher! This new CD Raymond vs Raymond is definitely a twist in the road. It definitely doesn’t come near its predecessor. We went from Confessions to “Single Man going through a Midlife Crisis”. This CD seems like some type of publicity stunt. It’s definitely worth a listen. It’s one of those CD that has to grow on you. “There Goes My Baby” is what I would expect from Usher and I love the single. If he had only stuck with that model and collaborations this would be a CD for all times. But instead he took a totally different direction like some many artists today. You will be pushing next track on a few. Usher can only hope this new release will not end up recycle bin. He is definitely taking some chances with this one. Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home) – is steadily moving up the chart.

I can see a few other singles like “Lil Freak” hitting the top 10 of the chart and sticking for a few weeks. The way so many artists are switching up it would be his luck the Album will hit BB top 10. I will say I was sad to hear him using audio-tune “Guilty”. With the voice he has why play with pitch to such an extreme level.

Standout Tracks

* There Goes My Baby
* Lil Freak
* Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home)
* Okay
* OMG

UnRated Magazine

Welcome to UnRated Urban Magazine, launched in 2010 by flagship magazine UnRated Magazine. UnRated Magazine was founded in 2001 in Chicago. Starting with a handful of writers and photographers, in 2010 the music magazine features over 30 journalists from all over the world. The content published by the magazine consists of music reviews, features, interviews and photography of the hottest entertainment personalities. In addition to music reviews, UnRated Magazine has expanded its content to feature movies and other entertainment outlets.