Miguel Provides New Track for “BET Presents Music Matters Vol. 1” Compilation

There’s no denying that music matters to Miguel… And, nowhe’s proving it. 

BET Networks and its new artist program Music Matters has partnered with Louder Than Life/Red Associated Labels to launch a compilation album series: BET Presents Music Matters Vol. 1, which features new music from the 28-year-old half-Mexican American singer-songwriter.

Miguel

The compilation, also featuring new music from Big Sean, Mack Wilds, Melanie Fiona and The Internet, will be released June 23 in support of the second annual BET Experience (June 27-29). The three-day music and lifestyle festival culminates with the BET Awards on June 29, hosted by Chris Rock.

Miguel’s track for the 15-track compilation is called “Gravity.”

Now available for preorder at Amazon, the album sports a mix of established acts and rising stars. Music Matters is a multiplatform initiative that provides exposure for groundbreaking talent across BET and Centric, in addition to national tours and monthly showcases.

Miguel, Kendrick Lamar, Elle Varner, J. Cole and Marsha Ambrosius are among the artists who have been spotlighted by Music Matters.

Salaam Remi, who founded Louder Than Life and doubles as executive vice president A&R and production at Sony Music Entertainment, is the executive producer of the BET Presents Music Matters compilation album series. Collaborating with Remi is Kelly G, senior director of music programming for BET Networks.

Here’s the Complete Track List:

1. “Music Matters Theme” — Marsha Ambrosius
2. “Gravity” — Miguel
3. “Prove” — Gabi Wilson
4. “My Crib” (Remix) — Mack Wilds featuring Pusha T
5. “It’s a Man’s World” — Adrian Marcel
6. “Lit” — Bas featuring J. Cole and KQuick
7. “Memories” — Big Sean
8. “Dontcha” — The Internet
9. “Walking Shoes” — Mali Music
10. “Liquid Love” — Chris Turner
11. “Under the Covers” — Curtis Fields
12. “Touch” — Ashley Kimbrae
13. “Cold Case” — Elle Varner
14. “Where It Counts” — Melanie Fiona
15. “Friends and Lovers” — Marsha Ambrosius

Maxwell to Perform at This Year’s Essence Festival

Maxwell will be sharing his musical essence in New Orleans…

The 39-year-old half-Puerto Rican singer-songwriter is set to perform at the 2013 Essence Festival, which returns to New Orleans for four days this summer.

Maxwell II

The 19th annual celebration of black music and culture will be held July 4-7 at the Superdome and the nearby convention center, where speakers like Rev. Al Sharpton and Representative John Lewis, a congressman and civil rights leader, will give lectures, according to the New York Times.

Maxwell’s performance will come a year after the neo-soul singer had to cancel a comeback tour due to vocal hemorrhaging. He’s currently working on his fifth studio album, SUMMERS, which he hopes to release later this year.

Maxwell will join Beyonce, Brandy, Jill Scott, Keyshia Cole as entertainers set to take the stage. Other performers include New Edition and LL Cool J, while smaller stages will feature Bridget Kelly, Les Nubians, Mint Condition and the new jack swing stalwarts, Blackstreet.

The festival began as a one-time event celebrating the 25th anniversary of Essence magazine.

Last year’s event featured performances by Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and Mary J. Blige as well as D’Angelo and Melanie Fiona.

Lovato Gives a Show-Stopping “VH1 Divas” Performance

Demi Lovato isn’t afraid to be a diva

Demi Lovato

The 20-year-old part-Mexican American singer and The X Factor judge performed live at last night’s VH1 Divas concert, getting the crowd on their feet with her show-stopping performance of her current single “Give Your Heart a Break.”

Held at Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium, this year’s all-star event featured performances by Pitbull, Kelly Clarkson, Ciara, Jordin Sparks, Melanie Fiona and Miley Cyrus. Adam Lambert served as the show’s host, while Havana Brown served as house DJ.

The event paid tribute to music legends Whitney Houston and Donna Summer with performances featuring current and classic dance hits.

Pitbull to Appear on VH1’s “Divas” Special…

It looks like Pitbull isn’t afraid to share the stage with a few divas

The 31-year-old Cuban-American singing sensation, who will perform on this year’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve special, has joined the ever-expanded roster of performers for VH1’s annual Divas show.

Pitbull

Pitbull, Kelly Clarkson, Melanie Fiona and Metric will join previously announced performers Demi Lovato, Ciara, Miley Cyrus, Kelly Rowland and Jordin Sparks as they all pay tribute to the most iconic divas of dance music, including the late Whitney Houston and Donna Summer.

The celebration, hosted by American Idol diva Adam Lambert, will be broadcast live from Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium on Sunday, December 16 at 9:00 pm ET.

Meanwhile, Havana Brown, whose “We Run the Night” featuring Pitbull reached No. 26 on Billboard‘s Hot 100 earlier this year, will serve as the event’s house deejay.

In keeping with tradition, tickets for VH1 Divas are available for purchase with proceeds to benefit the Save the Music Foundation. The VH1-backed charity is dedicated to keeping music education alive in American public schools and has provided nearly $50 million in new musical instruments to date.

Shakira Signs with Jay Z’s Roc Nation

Shakira is switching teams… Management teams, that is.

The 35-year-old Colombian superstar is reportedly no longer under the management of Epic, according to XXL magazine.

Shakira

Shakira has allegedly signed a management contract with Roc Nation, joining the likes of such artists as Rihanna, Melanie Fiona, J.Cole and Willow Smith.

The move presents Shakira with a great opportunity to expand her musical horizons and gives her a great pick of collaborators for her next music project.

Roc Nation—which was founded by Kanye West and Jay Z, the husband of Shakira’s “Beautiful Liar” collaboration partner Beyonce—also represents Santigold, Alexis Jordan and Jay Electronica.