Raz B of star R&B group B2K is currently on somewhat of a Britney Spears-esque arc, at least when it comes to dancing. Moreover, he posted a series of videos of some of his best moves on his social media, and he’s really getting into it. While many decided to clown the singer online, there’s also plenty of people who want to see him make a comeback with his group in some way. Regardless, it seems like these videos are for his entertainment only- well, and for the ladies, in his eyes. It’s a bit odd to see the actor without his partners, although feuds between them are in the way of a reunion.
Furthermore, for anyone who’s a bit put off by this dancing video for whatever reason, don’t fret; things could be much worse. Raz B’s first recent dancing video of note featured him strutting his stuff in just underwear, a MAGA hat, and MSCHF’s Big Yellow Boots. A lot of fans were taken aback by this, whether it was due to concern or to hilarity. This is what really made people compare him to Britney, as they both seem to be pushing how lewd they can get with their moves.
However, all this falls under darker context when you look at what the Cleveland native has gone through in the past few months. For example, back in May, he briefly escaped from a hospital through a window over concerns for a surgery. “All day I’ve been trying to clear miscommunications up, but I want everybody to know right now… I don’t feel safe,” he remarked in his post. “I’m in Kansas City, I’m at the Hilton Hotel and I’m telling everybody right now, Raz B does not feel safe. Put out an APB for Raz B in Kansas City, I don’t feel safe. That’s the location where I’m at.
“Call all my Army friends, Marine friends,” he continued. “No, I’m not good. That’s exactly where I’m at. Come get me. Yup, I’m standing right here and everybody’s gonna be compliant. I’m not saying something’s going on, I’m just letting my people know I don’t feel safe.” Given that this was a couple of months ago, hopefully everything went well and the 38-year-old is in a much better place. For more news and the latest updates on Raz B, stick around on HNHH.
Renowned R&B artist Goapele is beginning a fresh musical chapter by sharing “Purple,” the second song from her eagerly awaited album COLOURS. In this heartfelt track, Goapele’s vocals beautifully express the feelings of vulnerability that come with falling for someone irresistible. “Purple” not only highlights Goapele’s distinctive style but also offers a sneak peek into her artistic growth.
In “Purple,” Goapele allows her sensual side to take over as she sings about someone who mesmerizes her and makes her feel all kinds of ways. She draws a comparison between their attraction and the cannabis strain as well as Jimi Hendrix‘s song “Purple Haze,” singing, “It’s more than just a phase / Cause I’m lost inside your purple haze.”
“Purple” marks the second song from Goapele’s upcoming album, COLOURS, set to drop this fall. It’s been nearly a decade since her last album release, and during this time, she has been crafting a new sound and message for her fans. Her last full-length album, Strong As Glass, reached No. 16 on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart in 2014.
This upcoming album follows her 2017 EP, Dreamseeker, which included the Billboard-charting hit “Stay” featuring BJ The Chicago Kid. This eagerly awaited album holds the promise of a diverse musical journey, highlighting Goapele’s versatility and innovative artistry.
A Glimpse Into Goapele’s Evolving Artistic Expression
Goapele’s parents profoundly shaped her childhood. Her father, a South African political activist forced to leave his home due to his anti-apartheid work, played a significant role in her upbringing. Growing up in Oakland, California, her parents inspired her to become very involved in activism at a young age. She witnessed many protests, which instilled in her a lifelong dedication to social activism that frequently shines through in her music.
Goapele has consistently stood as a symbol of creativity and empowerment in the music industry. As an independent female artist, Goapele has continually pushed the boundaries of modern music by fusing soul, R&B, and neo-soul into her one-of-a-kind style. Purple” stands as proof of her artistic growth and her ability to create music that goes beyond traditional genre labels.
Quotable Lyrics Feel just like a fool For you, I’d break the rules The way my heart is opening I’m wondering if you feel it too It’s more than just a phase ‘Cause I’m lost inside your purple haze
Teyana Taylor, has been a household name before she graduated high school. The Harlem-bred songstress burst on the scene in a dynamic way as the most memorable star of MTV’s Super Sweet Sixteen. Her lavish birthday party set the tone, from her commanding, determined spirit to her flamboyant, creative style. A cameo from Pharrell Williams – and an accompanying record deal with his Star Trak label – sealed the deal. A star was inevitably born and Taylor has been turning heads and taking names ever since.
Most of the world took notice of Teyana when she linked up with Kanye West and the G.O.O.D. Music label. She went viral once again for her steamy appearance in the “Fade” video, which debuted during the MTV VMAs. It should be noted, however, that the rose from Harlem is a legend in her own right. Her name holds weight in any conversation, across multiple genres and disciplines. Here are 7 of Teyana Taylor’s biggest hits throughout her multifaceted career.
It’s only right to start with the remix to “Gonna Love Me” from the K.T.S.E. album. This song is timeless, from the legendary Wu-Tang Clan triple feature to the trademark Kanye flip of The Delfonics’ “I Gave It To You.” The dusky, melancholy production complements Teyana’s bold behest for love as she explores the ups and downs of hood romance.
Real fans remember that it all started with “Google Me.” Teyana’s first single was the lead off her debut mixtape, From A Planet Named Harlem. The track peaked at #90 on the Billboard chart and solidified her place in music as a songwriter and trendsetter. It also embodied the confidence that would carry her far in her career for years to come. “If you wanna find me/ You can Google me, baby.” The search engine put respect on her name, with a resume that included choreography for Beyonce’s “Ring The Alarm” video.
The first official G.O.O.D. Music single and lead from the VII album did numbers. The song paired Teyana’s cadence and street credibility with bars from Yo Gotti and labelmate Pusha T. The song not only did well on the charts but solidified Teyana as a hitmaker in her own lane. The radio ate up this hip-hop-inspired ballad about being sprung after the first link.
Teyana’s sensuality oozes through her music and image, even when dressed in baggy jeans and sneakers. There is something irresistible about the chemistry she has with other artists – regardless of gender. “Morning” was a full manifestation of that. The steamy R&B track came with an even hotter music video that found Teyana and Kehlani romping in the water. The track’s success was heightened by both ladies openly confessed attraction to the same sex.
Despite Teyana and Iman’s relationship status, this song will go down as one of her most beautiful, ethereal hits. The estranged couple exchanged genuine confessions and raw admissions of everlasting love over a heavenly instrumental. The music video delivered divine visuals that doubled as her second pregnancy announcement. This track will go down in history as one of the most special ones in Teyana’s catalog.
The sexy 90s-inspired jam was heralded by many upon as a celebration of the golden era of hip-hop and R&B. Diddy brought out the best of Teyana and his heir, King Combs. The track sample of Mase’s “What You Want” paired with an interpolation of Curtis Mayfield’s “Right On The Darkness.” From the very first listen, it was destined to be a classic and a hit.
It doesn’t get any better than Missy and Future on a track. This song was one of the most memorable of Teyana’s third solo release, The Album. The rap icons complemented Teyana’s boss persona and androgynous yet bold sex appeal. Sampling Blaque’s “808”, the song pays homage to the joy and satisfaction of the perfect bedroom lover.
It’s unclear whether Teyana will decide to further pursue music or not. Still, she has made her stamp in the world of R&B and hip-hop. She has proven that she is a true triple threat. A singer, songwriter, and dancer who can easily climb to the top of anyone’s charts. It’s safe to say that she paved the way and opened the door for women who exude a certain type of power and sexuality. When it’s all said and done, the world will remember her name – just as she always declared. What are your favorite Teyana Taylor hits throughout her discography?
Diddy is claiming that an R&B revival is underway, and he’s the leader of this resurgence. While the Bad Boy Entertainment founder has played a role in bringing Mary J. Blige and Faith Evans to the R&B music world, he’s continuing to shape his legacy bringing new and fresh voices to music. Fresh off the heels of his latest project The Love Album: Off the Grid, which dropped on Sept. 15, Diddy is basking in it’s well-received praise. Diddy’s fifth studio album is pretty star-studded, with appearances from R&B heavyweights like Mary J. Blige, The-Dream, Summer Walker, The Weeknd, Jazmine Sullivan, Ty Dolla $ign, Kehlani, Coco Jones, John Legend, and more. He even featured R&B newcomers such as Jozzy, Kalan.FrFr, and Nija.
To celebrate the release, Diddy even took over the airwaves with “The Love Radio Takeover” on Apple Music 1 last week. Throughout the three-hour live radio broadcast, the music mogul formerly recognized as Puff Daddy discussed his thoughts on the current state of R&B music. “I wanted to work with different voices that I never had a chance to work with in R&B. I wanted to unify R&B because I believe that R&B is not getting the right lens,” he said. “I want to tell you some Black people, we do look alike. I could dig that, but Hip-Hop and R&B are two different things.”
Just last year, Diddy wrote in a tweet posing the question, “Who killed R&B?” This question sparked a huge discussion within the music industry, having people such as Usher chiming in to defend the genre. But now, a year later, Diddy’s had a change of heart. He’s all about R&B’s resurgence, thanks in part to the artists he collaborated with on his latest album. They’re pushing R&B into a whole new era, according to him.
The Love Records founder also discussed his thoughts on the genre by including his latest body of work as part of the conversation. “We’re coming with this album to make it clear that R&B is here,” Diddy said on Apple Music 1. “There’s an R&B resurgence and we all got together. This is not just my album. This is our album. Everybody that’s on the album from Summer Walker to Jozzy. Teyana Taylor, Babyface, John Legend and so many more.”
As Libra season arrives, many notable singers prepare to celebrate their birthdays. A high number of high profile celebrities were born between September 23 and October 22. One of the three Air signs, Libra is the seventh out of the 12 signs of the zodiac. Libras are often seen as the peacemakers of the zodiac, striving for harmony and balance in all aspects of life. This is a predominant trait in musicians, as making music typically requires coordination. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that a lot of singers fall under the Libra star sign.
From the iconic Ray Charles, to the incomparable Toni Braxton, there’s no shortage of Libra singers to celebrate. Their music is often carried by their signature voices, and with the amount of love songs under their belts, perhaps it’s no stretch to attribute the sign to love itself. Additionally, Libras are known for possessing a natural charm and charisma that draws people towards them. Furthermore, they generally have excellent diplomatic skills as well. With their extroverted nature, and strong appreciation for beauty, Libras make amazing artists. most of whom create timeless music.
T-Pain (September 30)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 17: T-Pain performs on stage during the Supafest Music Festival at Melbourne Showgrounds on April 17, 2011 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)
T-Pain is a pioneering artist known for his distinctive sound. A man of many talents, he is a rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was born on September 30, 1984, and developed an interest in music at a young age. This Libra is celebrated for popularizing the use of Auto-Tune, which many singers later adopted creatively. True to his star sign, T-Pain has an appreciation for aesthetics in his music. He also has a sociable and charming personality, and is loved by most, often receiving his flowers on social media.
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – NOVEMBER 05: Ne-Yo performs at Royal Albert Hall on November 5, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Joseph Okpako/WireImage)
Ne-Yo is a well-known singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor who was born on October 18, 1979. When this Libra isn’t crooning some timeless love songs, he’s writing them for other singers. Ne-Yo has a distinct silky voice that’s a perfect match for R&B, and is recognized in the scene for his impeccable songwriting skills. He often explores themes of love, relationships, and emotional balance in his music. Furthemore, he conveys these messages effectively during live performances, where his charismatic stage presence shines. Overall, he is a critically acclaimed, commercially successful, and highly respected R&B star.
Toni Braxton (October 6)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 24: Toni Braxton performs onstage during the 2019 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on November 24, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for dcp)
Toni Braxton is a highly influential artist known for her soulful voice, iconic songs, and contributions to R&B’s success in the 90s. Braxton was born on October 7, 1967, and is one of the best-selling female artists of all time. Her songs “Un-Break My Heart,” “Breathe Again,” and “ He Wasn’t Man Enough,” among other hits contributed in catapulting her to international stardom. In 2005, she released the Gold-certified album, Libra, acknowledging and paying homage to her star sign. The artist exudes a sophisticated charm that has pulled audiences to her from all over the world. She continues to be a respected figure in the world of music, as well as entertainment as a whole.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 24: Co-Owner of SelvaRey Rum Bruno Mars attends the SelvaRey Pina Colada Party Hosted by Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak at The Hollywood Roosevelt on July 24, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for SelvaRey)
Bruno Mars was born on October 8, 1985, into a family of musicians. Evidently, he began performing at a young age in Hawaii, where he grew up. Mars is one of the most successful and acclaimed Libra singers in the music industry. He is known for his incredible vocal range and versatility in music, blending various genres together. He gained widespread recognition in 2010 after releasing his debut album Doo-Wops & Hooligans which included chart-topping hits like “Just the Way You Are,” and “Grenade.” Bruno Mars’ extraordinary talent has been showcased in several more ways in the years since. As a result of this, he has grown to become a revered artist in the R&B scene.
Ashanti (October 13)
PARADISE ISLAND, BAHAMAS – JULY 16: Ashanti preforms at Atlantis Paradise Island Music Making Waves concert on July 16, 2022 in Paradise Island, Bahamas. (Photo by Rachel Murray/Getty Images for Atlantis Paradise Island)
Ashanti is a multi-talented artist known for her light and captivating voice, and her songwriting abilities. She was born on October 13, 1980, and had her breakthrough in the music industry in 2002. Ashanti has been featured on some of the biggest Hip Hop collabs since her breakthrough year. She had appearances on the chart-topping songs “What’s Love?” by Fat Joe, and “Always on Time” by Ja Rule. The year also saw the release of her eponymous debut studio album, which garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. Ashanti has since branched out into film and television, but still remains one of the most popular Libra singers around.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 16: Usher performs onstage at the Songwriters Hall of Fame 51st Annual Induction and Awards Gala at Marriott Marquis on June 16, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall of Fame )
Usher is a highly acclaimed singer, songwriter, actor, and dancer. He is undeniably one of the most recognizable figures in contemporary music history. Firmly seated in the R&B hall of fame, Usher is rightly regarded as a giant in the genre. He was born on October 14, 1978, and has dominated the R&B scene since the late ‘90s after the release of his iconic studio album, My Way(1997). Usher is known for his unmistakable smooth tenor voice, and his versatility in R&B, pop, and Hip Hop genres. He has multiple chart-topping singles, and has had a highly successful career spanning decades. The multitalented Libra has also inspired a new generation of singers and dancers after him, becoming an incomparable icon in the process.
Keyshia Cole (October 15)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 06: Keyshia Cole performs during R&B Super Jam Ladies Night at Barclays Center on May 06, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)
Keyshia Cole was born on October 15, 1981, and had an early involvement with music. Her first experience with professional music was recording with MC Hammer at the age of 12. Cole eventually had her big break in 2005, with the release of her Platinum-certified debut album, The Way It Is. She has released six more albums since, which have contributed to cementing her as a prominent voice in the R&B community. Known for her powerful and emotive vocal delivery, this Libra has earned her place among respected R&B singers.
Brandon Casey, R&B singer of the group Jagged Edge, recently had a scary brush with death on the road. Moreover, he shared a picture of his demolished vehicle on his Instagram page following a nasty car crash. The group’s official IG page also sent their best wishes to their star member, and fortunately it seems like he’s at least recovering well. The Atlanta-based recording group is still putting out music today, so hopefully this doesn’t yield any more unfortunate results for the collective. For example, last year they teamed up with Canadian R&B duo dvsn for their new single “What’s Up,” one of many examples of the group remaining in public consciousness.
Regardless of all that, it seems like the So So Def Recordings signee is just happy to be with us still. “When u know god got u thru it you gotta say Thank u,” Brandon Casey wrote as his post’s caption. “U gotta feel gratitude not jus speak it. Thank u Father I kno I wouldn’t b here without ur grace and mercy. I’ll prolly never be the same but I’m so grateful I’m here. Thank u Jesus !!!!”
With this in mind, it’s heartening to hear that this worrisome incident seemed to smooth over as well as it could’ve for the 47-year-old. Unfortunately, other instances of Jagged Edge showing up in pop culture or news cycles were much less sympathetic, albeit for good (and unconfirmed) reason. For example, Matthew Knowles claimed back in December of 2019 that Brandon Casey and his group sexually assaulted members of Destiny’s Child. The group as an entity denied it outright, and Casey chimed in a few months later to double down.
“It’s funny because someone called me about doing an interview about that,” he told TMZ. “And honestly, I got too much respect for B, Kelly, all the girls involved, you know what I mean? I have no business sitting here giving y’all some dirt on Matthew Knowles. It is whatever he says it is. I think everybody involved knows what the truth is so, the truth speaks for itself. Am I in jail? Come on, bro.” For more news and the latest updates on Brandon Casey and Jagged Edge, log back into HNHH.
Feel the R&B Vibes: Ari Lennox Joins Rod Wave on the Nostalgia Tour!
Ari Lennox, the soulful songstress with a voice that can melt hearts, is set to embark on a musical journey once again. This time, she’ll be joining rapper Rod Wave as a supporting act for his highly-anticipated Nostalgia Tour, taking her unique blend of R&B and soul to stages across North America.
The Nostalgia Tour kicks off on October 19th at the illustrious Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska. From there, Rod Wave‘s headlining tour will sweep through more than two dozen major cities, delivering unforgettable performances and soulful vibes to fans. The grand finale of this musical journey is set for December 18th at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida.
Joining Ari Lennox and Rod Wave on this musical odyssey are special guest performers Toosii,G Herbo, and EELmatic, promising an electrifying lineup that will have fans on their feet.
As Ari Lennox takes the stage as part of the Nostalgia Tour, she’ll also be celebrating the one-year anniversary of her sophomore album, age/sex/location. The album, released in September 2022, has already made waves in the music industry with guest appearances from Chlöe, Lucky Daye, and Summer Walker.
Two of the album’s standout tracks, “Pressure” and “Waste My Time,” soared to the top of R&B radio charts and Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart. “Pressure” even earned the prestigious gold certification from the RIAA for selling over 500,000 equivalent units, marking a significant milestone in Ari Lennox’s career.
In the past year, Ari Lennox has taken her music far and wide, touring North America during the winter and spring and then venturing to the U.K. and Europe later in the spring. Her journey also included captivating festival performances at Jazz in the Gardens, Dreamville Festival, and Roots Picnic, showcasing her talent to diverse audiences around the world.
With this exciting collaboration between Ari Lennox and Rod Wave, the Nostalgia Tour promises to be an unforgettable experience for music lovers across the nation. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this musical celebration as these two artists share their passion and talent with fans in cities near you.
The last few years have been riddled with unfortunate health issues for Justin Bieber, but still, the former child star continues to make guest appearances for his friends throughout the music industry. So far in 2023 we’ve heard him sing on “Private Landing” with Don Toliver and Future for the former’s Love Sick album, and more recently, with SZA on the acoustic version of her “Snooze” song. Elsewhere in the world of R&B, Bieber is one of the many artists to appear on Diddy’s The Love Album: Off The Grid, which hit DSPs this Friday (September 15).
Midway through the 23-track-long project is where the “Baby” hitmakers song, “Moments” landed. It’s a heartfelt, romantic effort, which shows off the ever-impressive range in Bieber’s voice. “You got me all in my feelings, why’s it takin’ this long? / I need you runnin’, runnin’, runnin’ to my arms,” he lyricizes on the chorus, letting desire take him over.
Diddy’s New Album Features Justin Bieber, Teyana Taylor, And More
Production on “Moments” was put together by a handful of experts, including Sean Combs himself. Others on the list are Rob Knox, Stevie J, Slimway, Phil The Keys, and Chris Payton. So far, the emotional R&B song looks to be a favourite amongst listeners of the New Yorker’s LP. Other popular titles we’ve been loving include “Another One Of Me” featuring The Weeknd, French Montana, and 21 Savage, as well as “Tough Love” with Swae Lee.
Listen to Justin Bieber’s beautiful vocals on Diddy’s “Moments” above, then tap into The Love Album: Off The Grid on Spotify/Apple Music. Are you hoping to see the Canadian crooner make a comeback in the near future? Let us know in the comments, and check out his appearance in SZA’s new “Snooze” visual at the link below.
I don’t wanna take your love for granted I just wanna cherish every second You and me together, what a blessing Please just tell me that you get the message
Muni Long returns with her first release of 2023, “Made For Me.” The R&B ballad is a nostalgic track that witnesses Muni Long crooning on the track about a lover that she feels is “made for her.” Throughout the heartfelt tune, Muni Long openly expresses her deep affection for her partner. She refers to this person affectionally as her kindred spirit, emphasizing their compatibility and chemistry together. She insists that their love connection is a match made in heaven.
“Made For Me” comes as the first release following Muni Long’s remarkable year in 2022. Although Muni Long has a decade-long history of being behind the scenes, writing for musicians such as Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Madonna, Pitbull, Demi Lovato, Charlie Puth, and more, she’s enjoyed huge success pursuing a career as a solo artist. Within the last two years, she earned a Grammy for her hit song “Hrs & Hrs,” which also experienced a viral surge on TikTok, earned a notable feature from Usher, and made a memorable performance at Essence Fest.
With a nostalgic and irresistibly sweet essence, “Made For Me” takes the form of a gentle piano ballad. The song is infectious and guaranteed to have you put it on repeat for hours and hours at a time. This new track, produced by Bryan-Michael Cox, Jermaine Dupri, and JordanXL, is an example of a track that speaks to her talents as a singer and songwriter.
The Grammy award-winning musician has made significant strides since the release of her album Public Displays of Affection: The Album in 2022. In addition, “Hrs. & Hrs.” has achieved a 2x platinum certification from the RIAA and held the number one position on various charts. Moreover, she also secured the title of Best New R&B Artist at the 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards. We’re excited to see what the rest of the year has in store for Muni Long.
Quotable Lyrics:
Nobody knows me like you do Nobody don’t love me quite like you can Can’t even deny it Every time I try it One look in my eyes, you know I’m lying
Lil Wayne & Ice Spice were among the two biggest winners at Broadcast Music, Inc.’s (BMI’s) 2023 R&B/Hip-Hop Awards in Miami last night (September 6). Moreover, the Young Money spitter received the Icon Award, adding to his four-time honors of being their Songwriter of the Year. With now 53 awards from the prestigious ceremony across his career, he joins other BMI Icons like Snoop Dogg, Janet Jackson, and more legends. In fact, NLE Choppa, Big Freedia, Bobby V, and Trombone Shorty tributed the New Orleans MC during the show. This adds to Weezy’s acclaimed and prolific awards record, which also includes five Grammys- including Best Rap Album in 2009 for Tha Carter III.
Meanwhile, BMI graced Ice Spice with its first-ever Impact Award at their ceremony, and it’s no surprise that the Bronx hitmaker is the first to receive this honor. After all, her meteoric rise is hard to replicate and even harder to see at the same level for any artist before here. All this contributed to meaningful, compelling, and well-deserved reflections of (and tributes to) hip-hop on its 50th anniversary year.
Other winners from the BMIs include Tay Keith and Lil Yachty, who won the Producer of the Year award. Songwriter of the Year was a tie as well, as it went to not only Chris Brown, but also Doja Cat and Tems. On the other hand, Lizzo won Song of the Year for “About Damn Time.” Overall, it was quite the engaging show with a lot of interesting awards, although that’s nothing new for Ice Spice and Tunechi.
Of course, they each won prestigious honors at the Billboard 2023 R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players event. While the 40-year-old received an induction into their Hip-Hop Hall of Fame alongside Nas, the “Barbie World” sensation won her first solo award as the organization’s Rookie of the Year. “Ahh, this is cr*zy!” she briefly remarked while thanking those who got her to this point on stage. “This is like my first award ever in life, so I’m super proud.” For more news and the latest updates on Ice Spice and Lil Wayne, come back to HNHH.
