Willie Taylor

 

                                                   

       

Listening to Streetwise Radio I’ve come across some underrated artists that should be played on the on-air stations and are not. Willie is so underrated in my opinion he should be one of those artist. This sexy 32 year old R&B singer from Harvey, Illinois can deliver a sensual song. He should be right up there with some of the artist he collaborated with like Avant, Joe, Ginuwine and Jagged Edge. I’ve never heard of him until Streetwise Radio. Before he became known to some, he sang with a Chicago based group called “Kwiet Storm”. After 10 years with this group he went solo in 2006. He gained notoriety from being on MTV’s Making the Band 4 in 2007. Streetwise Radio is playing the song “Morning” his 2012 single. Willie Taylor is definitely an R&B singer that sings strictly for grown folks. If your young and appreciate good music you will like him too. Tune into Streetwise Radio and listen to Willie Taylor or listen to Streetwise Radio on Pandora, iTunes, Live365, MyGen365 and Athena365.

LM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willie_Taylor#Personal_life http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6P6WVqwvNus

Soulpersona

After hearing Soulpersona’s songs “Flying Easy” and “Life Time” on Streetwise Radio I had to know where this artist came from. Soulpersona is from North London. He is a talented musician, producer and arranger. He got his first big break in 2002 from his supporter and good friend Jocelyn Brown. Soulpersona has worked with some soulful artists around the world such as Darien, Sibel Thrasher, RAMP (Roy Ayers Music Production) Deborah Jordan, Replife, Kia Bennett ( D’angelo backing vocalist), Oliver Cheatham and Princess Freesia. He has also worked as musical director for Leon Ware, Jean Carne, The Valentine Brothers, The Jones Girls and his Digisoul Band. What I like about Soulpersona is the lady’s he has featured on is songs have voices that compliment his music. All three of his albums “Soulcoaster”, “The Remixes” and “The Lapdancer” were skillfully produced. Some of my favorite songs are "Weightless (featuring Deborah Jordan)”, “Alright (featuring Replife & Princess Freesia)”, "So Natural (featuring Kia Bennett)”, "Girl's Gotta Get Her Lovin", "Ava's Fantasy", “Flying Easy (featuring Deborah Jordan)” and “Lifetime”. I’m a fan for life! Tune into Streetwise Radio and listen to songs from Soulpersona. Also tune into Streetwise Radio on iTunes, Pandora, Athena365, Live365 and MyGen365.

LM

http://www.last.fm/music/Soulpersona/+wiki

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kg41VZ39B3g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6N5hIHNPDT8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HdwXjwz9xI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3siM7Y61ig

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpsZIh-qJCc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQ_zQ38y3mg

Loose Ends

This group was bumping in the clubs back in the day “Hangin' on a String (Contemplating)” was the jam. Loose Ends were from London and achieved success in the 1970’s in the U.K. By 1981 they signed with Virgin Records and crossed the pond. They were the first British Band to top the U.S Billboard Chart. I think this was the start of R&B groups and artists from the U.K. really invading the U.S. The original members consist of vocalist and guitarist Carl McIntosh, vocalist Jane Eugene, and keyboard player, writer and founder Steve Nichol. Jane Eugene and Steve Nichol left the group in 1989, bringing an end to the band's most popular phase. They had several hit songs when they broke up “Slow Down”, "Watching You (Watching Me)", “Hangin’ on a String (Comtemplating)”. Carl McIntosh currently performs under the name 'Loose Ends Experience' or 'Loose Ends'. All you had to do was put on a Loose Ends song and the party was on. If they had not split up, I wonder would they be as successful today.

LM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loose_Ends_(band)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFRF8w4DdZk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DIsFN-I-Qc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMTGRfTJbCg

Adriana Evans

I’ve been listening to Adriana Evans song “Suddenly” on Streetwise Radio. She reminds me of the late great Phyllis Hyman. This amazing talent is a native Californian, born and raised in San Francisco. Adriana has singing in her blood. Her mother Mary Stalling sang with some jazz greats Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie and her godfather jazz saxophonist Pharoah Sanders. That would have been incredible growing up around all that talent. Adriana debut album self-title was released in 1997. She was so dissatisfied with the music industry in the United States. She went to Brazil for a while and didn’t record for seven years. When she did decide to record she released an album called “Nomadic” this album had various genres of music, especially African music. Adriana released 3 more albums “Kismet” in 2005, “El Camino” in 2007 and “Walking With the Night” in 2010. She is so underrated. Artists like her need to receive air play instead of some of this crap their playing on the on-air radio stations. Thank God for internet radio. My favorite songs are “Love Me On The One”, “Let You Get Away”, “Suddenly”, “Waiting”, “Never Thought”, “Blue Bird” and “Undercover”. Listen to Adrina on Streetwise Radio, Live365,Athena365,MyGen365,iTunes,Pandora.

LM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adriana_Evans

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmQIUdXxGjk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBksFnKeThI&list=PL2B03587AA8DE0D20

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxK2zUHWiM8&list=PL2B03587AA8DE0D20

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXbf38SfLwQ&list=PL2B03587AA8DE0D20

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MovB2iTWJ5g&list=PL2B03587AA8DE0D20

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHROshqYnyw&list=ALBTKoXRg38BDKVeMfPWZ3nIOgtepEEOfe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21Arrl1T7bA&list=ALBTKoXRg38BDKVeMfPWZ3nIOgtepEEOfe

I really like Jacob Banks. This 20 something year old from Birmingham, Britain is a true soul singer and storyteller. His song “Worthy” is a beautiful. Jacob Banks album “The Monologue” was released in early 2013 it is awe-inspiring. This album has so much feeling. My Favorite songs are “Worthy” “Homecoming”, “Hostage”, “Rainy Day”, “Something Beautiful” and “Dear Simone”. Jacob Banks is amazing he sings so effortlessly and the messages in his songs are so true. His songs are definitely Something Beautiful! You can listen to Jacob Banks on Streetwise Radio. Also listen to Streetwise Radio on Pandora, iTunes, Live365, MyGen365 and Athena365.

LM

http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/21954630

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvcbDaNsPKQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvp3hOiXpDM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gcv1fFQFYZg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqqOZCOMagk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpaClwzwAY0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxjfOesL1s4

Mayer Hawthorne

I never heard of Mayer Hawthorne until, DJ Michael Ealey of Streetwise Radio started playing him. I like this guy he is refreshing. He has that old school vibe. Mayer Hawthorne is from Ann Arbor, Michigan but he lives in Los Angeles. This 34 year old has a whole lot of talent. He is a singer, producer, songwriter, arranger, audio engineer, DJ, rapper and multi-instrumentalist. While listening to his songs it definitely has that Motown sound of the 50s and 60s. It is amazing that this Caucasian soul brother is not as well-known has these so called superstars. Mayer Hawthorne is wonderful talent with soul. He is definitely going on my playlist. Some of my favorite songs are, “The Walk”, “I Wish It Would Rain”, “Your Easy Lovin' Ain't Pleasin' Nothin' “,  ”Maybe So Maybe No”, “Green Eyed Love”, “No Strings”, “One Track Mind” and “A Long Time”. You can listen to Mayer Hawthorne on Streetwise Radio. Also listen to Streetwise Radio on MyGen365, Live365, Athena365, iTunes and Pandora.

LM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayer_Hawthorne

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmfcYli6vV4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYHYAwvdHzY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAxBdYM8opg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpfcydeSGeo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ijx-YtbYLg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnjz7_ulyWI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4iIsE1PBhE

Austin Brown

What can I say about Austin Brown? Talented! It’s in his blood. Austin is the youngest son of Rebbie Brown-Jackson from the musical Jackson family. Austin has a little bit of Michael and Janet influence, but he has his own sound. I listened to his mix tape while writing this and I must say I like it. This multi-talented singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, dancer and record producer has what it takes to be a star. Those family genes are strong. Keep doing your thing Austin Brown. Some of my favorite songs by Austin are “All I Need”, “Target Practice”, “Menage A Trois”, “Remember” and “Groove 92”. I have a feeling that we’re going to be hearing a lot from Austin Brown in the years to come. You can listen to songs from Austin Brown on Streetwise Radio. Also listen to Streetwise Radio on Pandora, iTunes, MyGen365, Live365, Athena365, Gilroy Radio Station & Roku

LM 

http://soundcloud.com/austinbrownhighway85/sets/austin-brown-highway-85

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SopQQPZwMcw&list=RD023eyOafpzHOI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHSi9mPgr64&list=RD02xZlNXiYUNOw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eyOafpzHOI&list=RD02xZlNXiYUNOw

Alexis Spight

I think great singers come from singing in church. It is just something about the way they deliver a song that moves me. Well Alexis Spight happens to be one of those singers. I saw her on “Sunday Best” a television gospel singing contest in 2012. No it is not like American Idol. Contestants are judged on the true singing ability not what they look like. I watch her go up against some great gospel singers of all ages. In the finale it was between the two teenagers Alexis Spight 19 and Joshua Rogers 18. Joshua Rogers won it was the first time in the history of “Sunday Best” that a male won since it began in 2007. Well this native from Buffalo, NY was 1^st runner up she definitely did her thing. Alexis is the daughter of a preacher she honed her skills by singing in church. Alexis has the vocal ability, unique style and apparent genuineness that will take her far in her music. I heard the song “Steady” on Streetwise Radio. When I saw that it was Alexis Spight I was so pleased to know that this amazing young talent had an album out called “L.O.L.: Living Out Loud”. Alexis will take a gospel song and turn it into something wonderful to hear. It will make you want to get on your feet. My favorite songs off “L.O.L.: Living Out Loud” album are “Steady”, “"Imagine Me" and "Power In The Blood" You can listen to songs from Alexis Spight on Streetwise Radio. Also listen to Streetwise Radio on MyGen365, iTunes, Live365, Athena365 and Pandora.

LM

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alexis-Spight/152555138155344?sk=info

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVJDOx-zPi8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYVP1ws8iew

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Shv0yLeLKcI

Brandon Hines

This R&B crooner with a pleasant tenor voice sings love songs. Brandon Hines is from the Detroit Michigan, I like is style he reminds me of a young Brian McKnight. Brandon is an intelligent young brother he took is knowledge of social networking and promoted his first album “Love Music:Fallin in Fallin” while he was at Howard University. Through the student body, he sold over 10,0000 copies which gained him a fan base. Brandon left school and decided to peruse his music career. He went to New York City hooked up with some heavy hitters in the music industry such as Trey Songz, J. Cole, R. Kelly, Ryan Leslie and Troy Taylor. When he went on tour with Estelle’s American Boy tour his fan grew through MySpace and YouTube. His song “Fire” was on the movie sound track “Think Like a Man”. Brandon Hines is an artist that is underrated, but I predict we will be hearing from a lot him. My favorite songs from Brandon Hines is “Fire”, “Yes You Are”, "Where Did U Go", “In Love With Someone Else” and “Pin Up Girl”.Listen to Brandon Hines on Streetwise Radio,Live365,Athena365,MyGen365,iTunes,Pandora,Soul City.

LM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvJ4U8pToog

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPNEJtPEkaY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6bg4Gb1OS4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikToYdxIzqo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHPSOY8MnDU

Bobby Smith Lead Singer of R&B Group The Spinners Dies

Wow! What can I say about Bobby Smith and the Spinners amazing, wonderful and incredible? Growing up listening to the Spinners and seeing them in concert was one of my fondest memories. I remember seeing the Spinners at the Circle Star Theater in San Carlos California in 1978. My best friend got tickets for her birthday. The Spinners put on an amazing show Bobby Smith was the lead singer. That was one great concert.

Ok, now for all you who don’t know about Bobby Smith and “The Spinners” let me tell you. Well the Bobby Smith and his other group members grew up in Detroit area. Bobby Smith was the main lead singer since the group started. He sung lead vocals on The Spinners first hit record "That's What Girls Are Made For" in 1961. Smith also sang lead for Motown’s material during the 1960s, songs that made the charts like "Truly Yours" and "I'll Always Love You". He also sang lead on some of “The Spinners biggest hits, "I'll Be Around", "Could It Be I'm Falling in Love", "They Just Can't Stop It the (Games People Play)", “One of a Kind (Love Affair)”, “Then Came You” and “Games People Play”. Bobby Smith didn’t get credit for the group’s success even though he sang lead on most of “The Spinners” hits. The group’s success was credited to the late Philippe Wynne the other lead singer. Bobby Smith sunrise was on April 10, 1936 and his sunset was on March 16, 2013. He passed away from complications of lung cancer. Bobby Smith’s voice will live on through the songs he sang. Thanks for the lovely music. R.I.P.

LM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Smith_(rhythm_and_blues_singer)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfG47NsWVYA

Rob McCoy “Waiting For You”

Who is Rob McCoy? He is an R&B singer who is an underrated artist with a gift for writing song and singing them remarkably. Some people have a natural gift and know it at an early age Rob is one of them. Rob grew up in Patterson, New Jersey singing in the church choir and for his family. Rob said “All my life I've been told what I wasn't capable of doing, but I knew I'd make sure to prove those who discredited me”. It is really remarkable to see a young brother now days to have a dream and have the courage to go for it. While listening to Rob McCoy’s songs, he has the talent of a Neo and Chris Brown. Rob McCoy has two songs that I really like “Waiting For You” and” Good Die Young”. No matter whether Rob’s singing songs he wrote or doing covers of other artists his voice is amazing. Rob McCoy is a true talent that I predict, is on his way to stardom. Listen to underrated artist like Rob McCoy and new artist on Streetwise Radio. You can also listen to Streetwise Radio on Pandora, iTunes, MyGen365, Athena365 and Live365.

LM

http://ilovernbmusic.com/rob-mccoy/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HG2mNRC6mlk&playnext=1&list=PL2A7F505A027FE67D&feature=results_main

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUQkMZNpUIA

Jully Black

Jully Black is another underrated R&B singer that I have never heard of with loads of talent. This 36 year old R&B singer–songwriter of Jamaican heritage born in Toronto, Canada is wonderful refreshing talent. Jully Black’s talent for song writing is remarkable. Her songs are inspiring one of my favorite songs is “I Traveled”. I first heard this song when I was watching the 2008 movie “Saving God”. I always wondered who sung that song. Jully sung with Nas on his song “Heaven” off his “God’s Son” album. This song is so powerful, it has a serious message. Jully has collaborated and written for other notable artists, such as Missy Elliott, Saukrates, Choclair, Kardinal Offishall, Destiny’s Child and Sean Paul. Some of my other favorites songs of Jully Black are “Seven Day Fool”, “You Changed”, “Running”, “Sweat Of Your Brow” and “Between Me and U”. Look for Jully Black’s new album “W(8)IGHT” due out sometime in 2013. Listen to Jully Black and other underrated and new talent on Streetwise Radio. Also listen to Streetwise Radio on iTunes, Pandora, MyGen365, Athena365 and Live365.

LM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jully_Black

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aMRkL2BdhE&list=AL94UKMTqg-9CHbMTiAMkFTvwJM1xUhPwp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHyqdWlZNPM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSlUe-bSEMg

Joy Denalane

One word that describes Joy Denalane, Fantastic! This South African/German singer-songwriter mixes African folk music, Soul, R&B with English and German lyrics and makes amazing music. No matter whether she is singing in English, German or African folk music Joy Denalane has a whole lot of soul. Joy Denalane was born Joy Maureen Denalane on June 11, 1973 in Berlin-Schöneberg Germany but grew up in Kreuzberg Germany. Joy knew what she wanted at an early age. She left home when she was 16 years old to pursue a music career. Joy joined the Reggae and Soul bands Culture Roots and Family Affair. Joy was 19 when she signed with a major pop label, but that didn’t work out because they did not know how to market her type of music. Joy really became known on the music scene in 2002 in Europe with her debut album “Mamani”. Joy went on a solo tour in 2003. Joy has received several awards a Comet award for “Best Hip-Hop/R&B National” and three ECHO award nominations, including “Best Female Artist”. Her 2006 second album “Born & Raised” is my favorite. The song “Born & Raised” the title song of the album is about her life. It has that old school feel. This album is so soulful! Joy has Lupe Fiasco, Raekwon, and Governor featured on this album. Joy has also worked with other artist like Tweet, Dwele and Bilal. Joy Denalane has been around for some years and I have never heard of her. When I first heard Joy Denalane was on December 27, 2012. She was playing on Streetwise Radio and the song was “Be Real”. I looked her up and was listening to her. I had to write on her, so other people could experience her wonderful talent. I put some links to my favorite songs for your listening pleasure. You can listen to new R&B artists like Joy Denalane on Streetwise Radio. You can also listen to Streetwise Radio on Pandora, iTunes, MyGen365, Live365 and Athena365.

LM

http://www.last.fm/music/Joy+Denalane

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvR0XS_mrlU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUu5gmAnUas

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRn4PcQ_Jrw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TwgMQnIlPo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hb4KKuEoFDc

Major Harris R&B Singer February 9, 1947 – November 9, 2012

Major Harris R&B singer that was part of the Delfonics and the Philadelphia soul sound, passed away of congestive heart and lung failure at the age of 65. Major Harris died in Richmond, Virginia where he was born. I remember the back in the day at the house parties the DJ playing Major Harris’s "Love Won't Let Me Wait". That was the jam! Major Harris’s early career consists of him singing with a number of groups such as The Charmers, The Teenagers, The Jarmels, and Nat Turner's Rebellion. Major Harris sang with the Delfonics in the early 1970’s and went solo in 1974 and signed with Atlantic Records. His first real big hit single was "Love Won't Let Me Wait" which peaked at #5 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and #37 in the UK Top 50. This song was written by to great song writers Bobby Eli and Vinnie Barrett. "Love Won't Let Me Wait" was awarded a gold disc by the R.I.A.A. on 25 June 1975. I also liked two other songs Major Harris sung, "I Got Over Love" and "It's Got to Be Magic". Major Harris was one of the true Philly soul singers. R.I.P. Major Harris you will be missed, but your music will live on. Streetwise Radio will be playing some songs by Major Harris. You can listen to Streetwise Radio on iTunes, Athena365, MyGen365 and Live365.

LM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_Harris_(singer)

Kindred the Family Soul

There has not been a married singing duo that I have enjoyed listening too since my favorite Ashford and Simpson. Kindred the Family Soul also known has Kindred, consists of the married couple of Fatin Dantzler and Aja Graydon. This singing duo from Philadelphia, their incredible blend of R&B, soul and neo soul is outstanding. Jill Scott was the one to discover this amazing singing duo. Thank God she did, because this awesome talent needed to be brought to the music world.  In February 2003 Kindred’s debut album “Surrender to Love” was released. It has two songs that remind me of the love of life. They are "Far Away" and "Stars". Their second album in 2005 “In This Life Together” was inspired by the 1998 book With Ossie & Ruby: In This Life Together. That was a good read about two African American icons. "Where Would I Be (The Question)" was the first single off of this album. The lyrics seem to be written for my husband and me. Just when you I thought Kindred could not get any better they come out with another amazing album “The Arrival” in 2008 I like the songs “You Got Love (featuring Snoop Dogg)”.  Kindred their fourth album “Love Has No Recession” from the album title to my favorite songs "2 Words",  "Magic Happen", "You Got Love", "Authentically You" and "Going to the Go-Go" you can never go wrong. If you’re in San Francisco on November 3, 2012 Kindred the Family Soul will be in concert at Yoshi’s. Kindred the Family Soul really put all their emotions and feelings into their music. They are a Dynamite singing duo.  I predict will be around for a long time to come. If you have not heard of Kindred the Family Soul you can listen to some of their songs on Streetwise Radio. You can also listen to Streetwise Radio on ITunes, live365, MyGen365 and Athena365.

LM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kindred_the_Family_Soul

http://kindredthefamilysoul.com/