The End of an Era Dick Clark Dies at 82

America has lost a music Icon, Richard Wagstaff better known as Dick Clark passed away from a heart attack on April 18, 2012. Born on November 30, 1929 in Bronxville, New York, and was raised in Mount Vernon. On August 5, 1957 American Bandstand debuted nationally. Dick Clark started a revolution he was the primary force being able relate to teenagers through rock’ n roll music and to introduce rock ‘n roll to their parents as well. American Bandstand was on between 1957 through 1987 and in those thirty years Dick Clark was a man who was against censorship of music he defended pop artist and artistic freedom. He introduced a variety of musical artist to the world.

Dick Clark was the first television show that had black and whites performing on the same stage and a live desegregated audience. In 1973 Dick Clark tried to go into the world of soul music with a series called Soul Unlimited, with a host named Buster Jones who was supposed to be like Don Cornelius I never watched that show. Don Cornelius host of Soul Train sued Dick Clark the show lasted for a few episodes. I only watch American Bandstand when they had artist on like Ike and Tina Turner, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles and Stevie Wonder artists with some soul. I wanted to see, I sure was not watching for their dancing I prefer Soul Train for that.

Dick Clark was known as America’s oldest teenager and will be missed by many.

LM

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

http://www.aarp.org/entertainment/television/news-04-2012/dick-clark-dies.html?cmp=NLC-RSS-DAILY-BULLETIN

Rising Stars PopLyfe Perform at Yoshi’s San Francisco April 5

Rising Stars PopLyfe Perform at Yoshi’s San Francisco April 5

By Shelah Moody

Bay Area rising stars PopLyfe, led by the sons of R&B great D’Wayne Wiggins, will headline at Yoshi’s Jazz Club in San Francisco on Thursday, April 5.

PopLyfe, an eclectic rock and soul band from Oakland, CA, gained international attention and critical acclaim as 2011 contestants on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.”

Propelled by Kehlani Parrish’s ebullient lead vocals, PopLyfe, whose members were all under 18 at the time, won our hearts with their renditions of Queen’s “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions,” Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” and “Higher Ground” which they performed with the legendary Stevie Wonder on “America’s Got Talent’s” season finale.

According to their bio, PopLyfe got their start in the living room of keyboardist and musical director Dylan Wiggins. Dylan is the oldest son of legendary artist/producer D'Wayne Wiggins of Tony Toni Tone. Dylan’s younger brother, Jaden Wiggins, plays bass guitar for the group. PopLyfe also features guitarist Dillon Ingram, drummer Denzel Merritt and his cousin Ali-Khan Lochin on the turntables. Check out the kids who rock:

Where: Yoshi’s Nightclub, San Francisco 1330 Fillmore Street

When: 8 p.m. Thursday April 5

Info: www.yoshis.com/sanfrancisco

New Edition Coming to the Oracle Arena in Oakland California

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There back together once again New Edition coming on June 23, 2012 to the Oracle Arena in Oakland California. New Edition formed in 1978, but became popular during the 1980s. New edition was the start of the boy groups like New Kids on the Block, Backstreet Boys, ‘N Sync and my all-time favorite Boyz II Men. New Edition members consist of Ronnie DeVoe, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ralph Tresavant. In the early 80’s New Edition’s most popular hits were “Candy Girl”, “Cool It Now” and “Mr. Telephone Man”. When Bobby Brown left the group in 1985 to pursue a solo career, the group recruited Johnny Gill to take Bobby’s place. This was a good move, because in my opinion Johnny Gill was the best singer in the group. New Edition is back on tour after 15 years, they tried to tour in 1996-1997 but, the tour was canceled after Bobby Brown and Michael Bivins quit. This is New Editions 30^th anniversary tour. All over the United States New Edition will be performing in arena’s and yes their coming to the Oracle Arena in Oakland California so get your tickets.

LM

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

http://www.ticketnetwork.com/tickets/new-edition-tickets.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&gclid=CPiB_4bZ-64CFeYbQgodFXaWxw

Don Cornelius September 27, 1936 – February 1, 2012

Donald Cortez Cornelius was an innovator who had a vision to bring African American teen’s dance style, fashion and musical artists to mainstream television all across America in the 1970s with Soul Train. Don Cornelius grew up on the Southside of Chicago he graduated from high school in 1954 and joined the United States Marine Corps he served in Korea for one and a half years. Don Cornelius had several jobs after he left the marines, selling tires, automobiles, insurance and police officer. In 1966 Don Cornelius quit his job and took a broadcasting course and then became a news reporter and disc jockey on WVON a radio station in Chicago. Don Cornelius was a journalist for the civil rights movement, while reporting on the civil unrest of the times; he was noticing that there were no television shows for African Americans.He introduce Soul Train to WCIU-TV in Chicago in the mid-1960s. Soul Train went national in 1970 in Los Angeles California. Don Cornelius died of a self-infected gunshot wound. It is sad the way Don Cornelius died, but is legacy will live on through the Soul Train Music Awards; I think it is the best music award show because the musical acts play live.They don’t fake it like the other awards shows. I remember getting up on early Saturday morning doing my chores before Soul Train came on. I could hardly wait to see the dancing and what outfits the dancers had on. Being a teen at the time Soul Train taught me how to dance and about fashion. Rest in Peace Don Cornelius, thank you for bringing America the “Hippest Trip in America”

LM

http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-don-cornelius-20120202,0,5101594.story

Mary J Blige My Life II: The Journey Continues, Act I

Mary J. performed on the American Music Award on November 20, 2011 she sung “Mr. Wrong” from her My Life II: The Journey Continues, Act I album released on November 21, 2011. Mary J’s performance was outstanding, toward the end of the song a picture of Heavy D appeared on the screen to behind her when the song ended she thanked the audience and said “Rest in peace to my dear friend, my love one, my brother: the lovable and great Heavy D,” Mary said with emotion “I miss you so much, brother” as she turn and walked off the stage. This was so emotional, for all of you who don’t know Heavy D had a big part in helping Mary J. with her music career. I like Mary J’s album My Life II: The Journey Continues, Act I, especially the songs 25/8, No Condition, Empty Prayers, Need Someone, Mr. Wrong (featuring Drake), Love A Woman featuring Beyoncé is a pretty song, you would not think that the two of them would put together a songs like this. Mary J. has other artist featured on songs, Mary J’s ex-boyfriend Nas is featured on “Feel Inside” and Busta Rhymes is featured on the song “Next Level.” Busta Rhymes really took this song to the next level I can hear this song being played in the clubs. Rick Ross is featured on “Why”. I must say the Queen of R&B/Hip Hop is back doing her thing. You can listen to songs from this album on Streetwise Radio.

LM

Eric Roberson

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It is amazing that there are artist out there that you don’t get to hear because there not played on the radio stations. I came across this artist Eric Roberson his debut album “The Esoteric Movement” was released in 2001. I can’t believe I have never heard of him before I really like his music. Eric Roberson was born on September 25, 1976 and raised in Rahway, New Jersey. Eric was destine to become some kind of artist; he grew up in a musical family. When Eric was 5 years old he would tag along with his older sister while she took voice lessons. Eric was interested in acting, while in high school he performed in two musicals “Grease” and “The Tap Dance kid.” When Eric was 16 years old, he won a scholarship to Howard University in Washington DC, where he studied theatre. Eric landed a deal with EMI label as a songwriter and collaborated with some of R&B and Soul artist like Jill Scott and Musiq Soulchild. The years between 2003 and 2007  Eric has released five neo-soul albums and has had some critically acclaimed artist featured on his albums the likes of Marsha Ambrosius, Raheem DeVaughn, Algebra Blessett, and Lalah Hathaway, Eric got the nickname Erro from his peers. I really like all of Eric’s music it has that funky jazzy soul sound, he tells a story when he sings. My favorite songs are “Still”, “Rain On My Parade”, from his The Esoteric Movement album. “Just A Dream” is another beautiful song. It is a shame that Eric Roberson does not get more air play on traditional radio, maybe I would have heard of this amazing artist along time ago. Eric has a new album due to be released November 1, 2011 called “Mr. Nice Guy“, if it is like any of his other albums I can’t wait to hear it. You can hear Eric Roberson music on .

LM

http://randb.about.com/od/g1/p/Eric-Roberson.htm

                                                                                                                  

http://www.youtube.com/artist/Eric_Roberson

2nd Annual FunK Festival Returns to Streetwise Radio

It's back and you can smell it.! The 2nd annual Funk Festival returns to Streetwise Radio.
Parliament Funkadelic, Cameo,ConFunkShun, Gap Band, Bootsey Collins, James Brown,
Slave, Ohio Players, Rick James, Kool and the Gang, The Time, Dazz Band, Brothers Jhonson, Brass Construction, Tower Of Power, Zapp  Isley Brothers.And the list goes on.
It's all going down here on Soul City at 6 pm PacificTime.

Kenya

Kenya is originally from New York, but she calls Oakland bay area her home now. Like most R & B/ Hip Hop artist Kenya started off singing in church and doing solo performances. Kenya was shy about sing outside of church,but she was asked to sing for school plays and shows. Different artists would approach her to sing background on their records. Kenya came on the R & B/ Hip Hop music scene about seven years ago. Kenya has sung on background and opened up for many popular artists, like Jill Scott, Queen Latifah, Black Eyed Peas,  Montell Jordan, Mary J Blige, Aaliyah, JaggedEdge, Mya, Jodeci, Kell Price, Ledisi, SWV, Mint Condition, Next, 112,Latoya London, Goapele and Brian McKnight, who is one of my all time favorite male singers. Kenya gained her confidence singing and recording with the various artists.  She decided to step out from the background to launch her solo career. Kenya is considered a triple threat in the music industry. Kenya Co-produces her tracks, writes and arranges her songs and dances. I really like the song ‘Memory Lane’ it has that Hip Hop and R & B sound that has a message and you can dance to it. I like Kenya as a singer, she can sing. I think Kenya has the talent to be a force in the music industry. Kenya has a fan base in the Oakland bay area, I know they can’t wait for her debut album, neither can I; Kenya is working on her debut album called ‘Reflections’ due out soon. 


LMhttp://www.reverbnation.com/kenyamusic

Jill Scott The Light of the Sun

Jill Scott new album The Light of the Sun will be released on June 21,

2011. The single So In Love (featuring Anthony Hamilton) one of my

favorite male singers is soulful. It’s the kind of song you can listen to

sitting in the park playing dominoes, on a road trip or being playing at a

wedding. Jill Scott has other artists featured on this album. The song

‘Shame’ features Eve & The Group this is a funky dance tune. Jill Scott

has Doug E. Fresh beat boxing on ’All Cried Out Redux’. Rapper Paul Wall

is featured on ’So Gone (What My Mind Says)’. The other songs I really

like are Blessed, Womanifesto and Hear My Call. I think Jill Scott may

have a hit album, tune in to Streetwise Radio on June 21, 2011, to hear

The Light of the Sun album.

LM

http://www.amazon.com/Light-Sun-Jill-Scott/dp/B004Y1QPXM/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1308009677&sr=1-1

Gil Scott-Heron (April 1, 1949-May 27, 2011)

Gil Scott Heron known for his spoken word,  passed away on May 27, 2011.
The songs that Gill Scott Heron sung about were social and political songs of the 1970s and 1980s. One of the songs I remember is “The Bottle” my parents would play that song often that was one of my favorites. The people who influenced Gill Scott Heron were singers and political activists Richie Havens, John Coltrane, Otis Redding, Jose Feliciano, Billie Holiday, Langston Hughes Malcolm X, Huey Newton, Nina Simone and pianist Brian Jackson. Gill Scott Heron was known in many circles as the Godfather of rap and as one of founding fathers. He is also considered the founder of political rap. The song “Message to the Messengers” was a plea for the new generation of rappers to speak for change and not to spread the current social situation. In 1990s Gil Scott Heron said in an interview, “They need to study music. I played in several bands before I began my career as a poet. There’s a big difference between putting words over some music, and blending those same words into the music. There’s not a lot of humor. They use a lot of slang and colloquialisms, and you don’t really see inside the person. Instead, you just get a lot or posturing.” I think he is so right, some of these rappers are singing about cars woman or talking mess about each other saying nothing relevant about today’s issues. Three of my favorite rappers who rap about social political issues are Chuck D from Public Enemy, Ermine and Lupe Fiasco. In his later years Gill Scott heron had some issues with drugs and the law. From 2001 to 2007 he was sentenced to one to three years for possession of cocaine in New York and violating his parole. Gil Scott Heron disclosed in an interview with the New York Magazine in 2008 that he was HIV positive, but the cause of his death has not been announced. Gill Scott Heron was a Poet, Musician and Author he had a unique voice and will be missed.


LM


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gil_Scott-Heron


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_b2F-XX0Ol0&NR=1

Bootsy Collins Tha Funk Capitol Of The World

William Earl better known as Bootsy Collins is back. Bootsy new CD The Funk Capitol Of Tha World will be released April 26, 2011. This CD has a wide range of artists that will appeal to the young and old. Some of the artists Bootsy has featured on his CD are Ice Cube one of my favorites. He is on the song “Hip Hop @ Funk U“. Bootsy has a tribute to the late great God Father of Soul James brown, with the Reverend Al Sharpton talking about how James Brown changed the beat of music. For all you Latin music
lovers he has Olvido Ruiz and Quiwey singing “Siento Bombo”. The actor Samuel L. Jackson is speaking on the song “After These Messages”. Bootsy
also has a song on the CD “The Jazz Greats” featuring George Duke and Ron Carter. George Clinton is featured on the song “Garry Shider Tribute”.
Garry Shider was the original guitarist and musical director of the P-Funk All-Stars he was the guy who wore the diaper, he past on June 16, 2010. Bootsy has a funky song “The Real Deal” featuring Shelia E, CandiSweetz and Mike Phillips. These are some of my picks for the songs that I can’t wait to here in full when the CD is released on April 26, 2011 Bootsy Collins is back giving his fans the Bootsy flavor. You can hear some of it on Streetwise Radio.

LM

http://www.bootsycollins.com/bootsy/Welcome.html

MINT CONDITION

Mint Condition is an R&B male soul group that I have liked since they came out in the 1980’s. In 1991Mint Condition’s “Breakin’ My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)” from the Meant to be Mint album stayed on the charts for 34 weeks making R&B top 5 and the Pop top 10 this is one of my favorites.
Mint Condition just kept on putting out hits. In 1993 From the Mint Factory album had three hits single “U Send Me Swingin”, “Someone to Love” and “So Fine” these songs made it to the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs
Chart. Just when I thought Mint Condition would not top “Breakin My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes) they did “What Kind Of Man Would I Be”? from the Definition of a Band album released in 1996 was a hit. It made it to the number two R&B chart and number seven on the Pop chart; it stayed on the
R&B charts for 41 weeks. Mint Condition has been around since the 1980’s that is due to them having all the original members except for keyboardist Keri Lewis. Mint Condition is celebrating their 20th anniversary as a band
this year. “7” is Mint Conditions new album released on April 5th 2011 featuring hit single “Caught My Eye” and also “Not My Daddy” collaboration with Kelly Price. I am so excited that Mint Condition is still bringing their fans the hits. With their R&B, Funk, Latin, Jamaican and Jazz sound.
You can hear Mint Condition on Streetwise Radio.

LM

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

http://www.streetwisesd.com/streetwise-radio.html

Related articles

• Meant to be Mint (thinksoul25.com)
• Things I Find In Books, Part 1: Mint (danialexis.wordpress.com)
• Kelly Price Preps R&B LP, Teams With Mint Condition (theboombox.com)
• The Autographed Bookstore Is Open! (blogs.discovermagazine.com)

Arika Kane. Now Playing on Streetwise Radio

DESCRIPTION

Arika Kane is exactly what the world has been missing. Charisma, Soul, Style, Class & Song are the elements of Arika Kane.She is a shining star waiting & ready to endulge the world with Great Music. She is a Singer/ Songwriter born and raised in The Northeast Corner of Connecticut. Being introduced to Music while she was in Mommy's tummy was only the beginning. Her Mother & Father whom both are Singers & Musicians were touring New England with their Hit Show called "Mass Production" during the time Arika was born. Mass Production was a group of 12 or more singers backed by a Full Band. Singing Broadway Medleys, Top 40, Rock & Roll.  Arika's tiny ears tuned into Good Music at an early age. Music became Second Nature to her. She always found herself surrounded by Music at all times no matter what. " I realized at a young age the power of Music...It releases emotions & puts things in perspective. I wish Life was a Musical, and there was a song for every situation. lol. " Arika had no doubt in her mind that what made her Happy was her destiny, Music. As Arika grew up she was influenced by every different genre of Music. From India Arie to Aerosmith. " Music has no boundaries & no Limits. An amazing song has the power to touch the whole world. I love all Music that is passionate & genuine." Arika's first vocal teachings came from Mariah Carey's Album, Vision of Love. " I learned a lot about Color & Range from Mariah. She is just phenomenal to me & paved the way for many singers. " As Arika grew up, she began developing her identity & her own style. Arika soon then became in touch with her Songwriting which was influenced by her father who is a Songwriter. After working with many artists & producers, Arika was determined to learn Recording Software & Audio Production on her own. She was anxious to Record and Produce all the Songs she had in her head...Soon her Songwriting became noticeable to all around her that Arika Kane is someone to take very seriously. Just about every song she was writing has HIT potential, and she was only improving.  She now produces & writes and plans on working with other Artists in the future. Arika Kane is now signed with BSE Recordings. of Big Score Entertainment. She is the First Artist & Lady of the Label, and is Hungry & focused on Success...She has recently Had A Successful Release & Listening Party at The DEX Studios in NYC. The turnout was wonderful. The World of Music, Entertainment, & Fashion joined together to celebrate this special event. ARIKA KANE hit the stage and performed her Singles " Why Did We Fall N' Luv " & " Bcuz I Luv U " which is climbing the charts right now on Urban AC & R&B Radio Stations. It has just recently hit the Number 2 Spot in the South. You can Hear Arika Kane also Right Now on MUSIC CHOICE. The Self-Titled Debut Album "Arika Kane" will be out in August of '09. It is filled with Great Music and Hit Songs. " I am so excited for the World to hear my Album. Every song has it's own identity and place, yet they are all equally amazing. My goal in all my Music is to make people feel good. I really believe we don't embrace the good things in life as much as we should. And through my Music I hope to Contribute to that." - Arika Kane :)

Jae Franklin "Always Nedded You" Now Playing on Streetwise Radio

Jae Franklin embodies nearly the entire spectrum of soul
music, from Jazz to Afrobeat to Electronic Soul. Her soft and
sweet voice captivates fans quicker than her passionate and
moving lyricism. Seeking a range like Rachelle Ferrell, charm
like Sade, and a mind like Quincy Jones and Sting, Jae
exquisitely showcases her passion for music in each minute
of every performance and every song she writes.
Currently living in Atlanta, Jae is an international songstress that is continuously fusing her artistry with issues in today’s world. Through her global travels and research, she creatively merges the act of art for the sake of art and art for the sake of activism by using some of the most politically active records and tying them in with lyrics that represent a lot of social issues. She wants to push the boundaries and set a standard of how to successfully produce soul music while keeping her artistic integrity.
 The Houston-native began singing at an early age, like many well-known artists, in the church choir. Although she took piano lessons and voice lessons, Jae decided early-on she wanted to focus on singing. She attended High School for Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, excelling in the study of voice and
theory. Jae was active at HSPVA, joining various choirs, ensembles and the theatrical group the Young Performers.
Working with the likes of award-winning songwriter and producer Bryan Michael Cox, composer Louis St.
Louis of the movie Grease, and songwriters and production teams for Tyler Perry, Donnell Jones and
Tamar Davis, Jae Franklin hopes to further expand so that her music can reach all walks of life. This is by
far one of the best years, which has given her the most imperative resources, musical direction, and spiritual guidance she has ever had. There isn’t a moment that passes in her life when she doesn’t think about how her music will affect the world.
Her calling is her passion. Her passion is her music. Follow her while her music plays through the
greatest moments of her life…

album name

Always Needed You

band name

by Jae Franklin

 

Free Download

 

http://www.jaefranklin.com/

El DeBarge He's Back

Cover of El DeBargeI was watching the BET Awards in June 2010 El DeBarge was on there singing “All This Love”, “I Like It”, “Time Will Reveal” and “The Rhythm Of The Night.” It was so good to hear and see El DeBarge; he has been away for far too long. El DeBarge has had a drug problem for the last 25 year of his life. El was arrested for cocaine possession and given probation in 2001. In 2006 he was arrested again for possession of a controlled substance and again he was given probation. El DeBarge was on a serious downward spiral, in 2007 he was arrested for domestic dispute but the charges were later dropped. That same year he was arrested for possession of cocaine and once again he was put on probation. In 2008 El DeBarge was arrested for possession of crack and drug paraphernalia. This last possession charge, he was sent to federal prison for two year. This is what he needed to get his life back on track and give his fans his beautiful music. El DeBarge was released in October 2009 and he is back.
El DeBarge came out with a new album out called “Second Chance” in 2010.
This album was nominated for two Grammy awards for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song. El DeBarge still has the voice; we all fell in love with when he was with DeBarge. I am praying for you El DeBarge and I know all your other fans are too. Tune in to Streetwise Radio and listen to Second Chance by El DeBarge.


LM




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


http://www.vevo.com/watch/el-debarge/second-chance/USUV71001683




http://www.vevo.com/watch/el-debarge/lay-with-you/USUV71002368