Tag Archives: R&B

Omar Apollo Releases New Single “3 Boys”

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Omar Apollo releases a personal new single…

The 25-year-old Mexican American singer/songwriter and Best New Artist Grammy nominee has released this first single of 2023, “3 Boys.”

On the track, Apollo just can’t seem to let go, despite his best efforts as he attempts to move on from a relationship, but realizes that there will always be more than one in the relationship.

His silky vocals arc perfectly over an aching melody, arriving at a falsetto zenith with the song’s blissful chorus.

“When I first started writing songs I would often write about unrequited love,” says Apollo of the new single. “Eventually I wrote songs about the complexities that come with a relationship. “3 Boys” was my first time writing about something non-monogamous. Having more than one person to talk to. 🧐 I wrote the song on a rainy day in London. I spent most of December there, mostly just because I wanted to get out of America. I ended up going to the studio more than I thought I would. I wrote the song with a friend of mine, Dylan Wiggins. It seemed like we were both in the same mind state for a song like this. The song wrote itself really quickly. I also had my friend Mustafa help me with a few lines after I played it for him.

“3 Boys” comes after Apollo was nominated for Best New Artist at the 2023 Grammy Awards. Apollo released his debut studio album, Ivory, in April 2022.

The record features guest appearances from Daniel Caesar and Kali Uchis, as well as the R&B singer-songwriter’s biggest hit to date, “Evergreen.”

Later in 2022, he released a deluxe version of the album, Ivory (Marfil).

Kehlani to Co-Headline This Year’s ‘Sol Blume’ R&B Festival

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Kehlani is in full blume…

The 27-year-old part-Mexican American singer-songwriter will co-headline this year’s Sol Blume, the Bay Area-based R&B festival.

KehlaniKehlani’s co-headliner will be Brent Faiyaz.

The fourth annual festival will take place at Discovery Park in Sacramento, Calif., on Saturday, April 29, and Sunday, April 30, and brings together emerging and established R&B, hip-hop and soul acts, including Ella Mai, Isaiah Rashad, Joey Bada$$, Mariah the Scientist, Mereba, Jessie Reyez, Pink Sweat$, Chlöe, PinkPantheress, Muni Long, Arin Ray, FLO, Coco Jones, Nao, Jacquees, Mahalia, Marc E. Bassy, Alex Isley, Fana Hues, Thuy, Rini, Destin Conrad and Samaria.

Teyana Taylor is slated as Sol Blume’s very special guest, with the bill detailing “one night only performing ‘The Last Rose Petal 2′” following the artist’s two-part farewell tour by the same name.

Bay Area native Kehlani recently sold out the nearby Oracle Arena in Oakland last fall during her tour in support of her third studio album, Blue Water Road. 

Sol Blume marks both headliners’ return to Sacramento in five-plus years.

Tickets will go on sale for the general public on Monday, January 30, at 10:00 am PT on Sol Blume’s official website.

General admission tickets for the two-day festival cost $200 (not including fees), while VIP tickets cost $400 (not including fees).

Paulo Londra Releases Sophomore Album “Back to the Game”

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Paulo Londra is back in the game…

After releasing a handful of singles throughout the year, the 24-year-old Argentine rapper and singer has officially released his highly anticipated album aptly titled Back to the Game.

Paulo LondraThe 16-track set marks Londra’s first album in three years, following his debut album Homerun (2019), which debuted and peaked at No. 12 on Top Latin Albums.

In his first album, Londra leaned more on his core urban sound using elements of trap, freestyle, dembow, hip-hop and reggaeton. This time around, while he stays true to his essence with a cheeky reggaeton single (“A Veces,” a collaboration with Feid), he also dabbles in punk rock (“Nublado” featuring Travis Barker) and R&B (“Noche de Novela” with Ed Sheeran).

“I’m back,” he wrote on social media. “This is from Paulo to those who’ve always been there, since when I would go to the plaza in Joaco to crossing paths for the second time with Ed Sheeran. As long as one follows their passion, no one can stop you. If you ever felt empty but today you want the people around you to smile or have fun, welcome to the club.”

Earlier this year, Londra officially announced his comeback after forging a new partnership with Warner Music Latin, which marked a new phase for his career.

He marked his grand return to music, dropping one of his punk-rock anthems “Plan A” in March, his first single in three years, with which he previewed the new album and presented a fresh new sound for the artist. Since, he’s released other singles such as “Chance,” “Julieta,” “Party En El Barrio” and “Luces.”

The eclectic, star-studded set also features collaborations with artists like Timbaland, Duki and LIT Killah.

Rosalía Earns Second No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay Chart with “Despechá”

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Rosalía is embracing the tropical sound… And, she’s finding success with it.

The 30-year-old Spanish singer and songwriter, known for her flamenco-urban sound, has secured her second No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart as her latest single, “Despechá,” rises from the runner-up slot to lead the chart dated October 1.

Rosalia“Despechá” rises to the top of the chart just five months after Rosalia scored her first No. 1 through “La Fama,” the two-week champ which features The Weeknd (May 14-dated ranking). The R&B singer-songwriter also collected his first win in his first showing on the list.

“Despechá” leads with 8 million in audience impressions, a 12% gain which makes the Greatest Gainer of the week, earned in the U.S. in the week ending Sept. 25, according to Luminate.

The song outs a pairing from the top: Romeo Santos and Justin Timberlake’s “Sin Fin,” after the song’s one week in charge. It falls to No. 2 with 7.8 million in audience impressions.

Beyond its Tropical Airplay coronation, “Despechá” pushes Rosalía closer to lead on the all-genre Latin Airplay chart, at No. 3, after spending two weeks at No. 5.

Elsewhere, the song makes progress on the multi-metric Hot Latin Songs chart, which blends airplay, digital sales, and streaming data, with a 9-7 move.

Plus, it holds strong at No. 65 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart, after its No. 63 peak (September 17-dated list).

Chiquis Releases New Album “Abeja Reina”

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Chiquis is ready to rule the charts…

The 36-year-old Mexican American singer has released Abeja Reina.

ChiquisChiquis’ new album, not for the faint of heart, discusses topics of love, heartbreak and female empowerment, with lyrics that (warning) can and will sting.

She opens her ultra-personal 18-track set — which includes five interludes — with a bilingual attitude-heavy intro. “There were many that didn’t believe and maybe they’ll never believe. But the difference is that today, I don’t give a f—. And today, I believe in myself. Welcome to the Abeja Reina experience.” That experience she refers to is a roller coaster of emotions as the regional singer narrates her own journey that’s filled with ups and downs. Chiquis is vulnerable yet gutsy. She’s heartbroken but optimistic.

A mostly banda album, her core sound, Chiquis also steps outside her comfort zone experimenting with cumbia, R&B and rap, which showcases her versatility.

Bruno Mars’ Silk Sonic-Single “Love’s Train” Reaches No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay Chart

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Bruno Mars has choo-choo’ed his to the top of the R&B charts…

The 36-year-old part-Puerto Rican singer/songwriter and Anderson .Paak’s duo Silk Sonic has earned another No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart with their single “Love’s Train” on the chart dated April 23.

Bruno Mars, Silk Sonic, Anderson .Paak

The track advances after a strong 31% gain in plays to become the most-played song on U.S. monitored adult R&B stations in the week ending April 17, according to Luminate, formerly MRC Data.

The new champ, released earlier this year on Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14), is a cover of a 1983 tune by Con Funk Shun, who racked up 26 hits on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart from 1977-97. Eight of them reached the top 10, with “Ffun” topping the list for two weeks in 1978.

“Love’s Train” gives Silk Sonic its third No. 1 among four career appearances.

The duo’s first offering, “Leave the Door Open,” topped the list for 13 weeks in 2021, while third single “Smokin’ out the Window” ruled for one week in January.

Between the champs, second release “Skate” peaked at No. 4.

All four tracks are on the duo’s An Evening With Silk Sonic album; “Love’s Train” was added to the digital and streaming editions of the set in February.

As Silk Sonic achievements also contribute to the individual ledgers for Mars and .Paak, “Love’s Train” yields a third Adult R&B Airplay for .Paak – all from Silk Sonic hits. Outside the group, his best result was a No. 2 peak for “Make It Better,” featuring Smokey Robinson, in 2019.

Mars, meanwhile, collects his seventh No. 1 and moves to within one more chart-topper for the most among male artists in Adult R&B Airplay chart history. Kem, Maxwell and Charlie Wilson each own eight No. 1s, with Mars and R. Kelly – both with seven – just below.

Elsewhere, “Love’s Train” keeps rolling on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, which measures songs’ audience reach among U.S. monitored adult R&B and mainstream R&B/hip-hop radio stations. There, “Love’s Train” speeds 15-9 after it gained 54% in weekly audience to 10.6 million in the week ending April 17. The improvement of 3.7 million gives the song Greatest Gainer honors for the biggest increase among the chart’s 50 titles.

The “Love’s Train” gains just add to Silk Sonic’s recent spell of good fortune.

Earlier this month, the duo, as .Paak informed viewers, completed “a clean sweep” at the Grammy Awards by winning all four of its nominations – record of the year, song of the year, best R&B song, and – in a tie – best R&B performance, all for “Leave the Door Open.”

The pair also opened the ceremony with a performance of “777.”

Maxwell Makes History While Earning 8th No. 1 Single on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay Chart with “Off”

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Maxwell has earned a spot in R&B chart history…

The 48-year-old half-Puerto Rican artist’s current single “Off” has risen to the top spot om Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart dates April 2, making Maxwell only the second man to land eight No. 1s in the 29-year history of Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart.

MaxwellThe track advances from No. 3 after it saw a 10% improvement in plays to become the most played song on U.S. monitored adult R&B radio stations in the week ending March 27, according to Luminate, formerly MRC Data.

Eight No. 1s ties Maxwell with Charlie Wilson for the most among any male act since the list began in 1993.

On the overall count, the pair trail only Alicia Keys (12) and Toni Braxton (11).

As “Off” joins the chart-toppers club, here’s a recap at Maxwell’s eight champs:

  • “Fortunate,” No. 1 for 18 weeks, beginning May 22, 1999
  • “Lifetime,” 15, Sept. 29, 2001
  • “Pretty Wings,” 12, July 4, 2009
  • “Bad Habits,” nine, Oct. 10, 2009
  • “Fistful of Tears,” two, April 17, 2010
  • “Fire We Make,” with Alicia Keys, June 22, 2013
  • “Lake by the Ocean,” 10, June 18, 2016
  • “Off,” one (to date), April 2, 2022

With “Off,” Maxwell also becomes the first man to log No. 1s on Adult R&B Airplay in the 1990s, 2000s, 2010s and 2020s. Fellow R&B legends Toni Braxton and Mary J. Blige also have achieved the feat, with Braxton inaugurating the group in 2020 and Blige attaining membership in February.

In addition to its Adult R&B Airplay coronation, “Off” holds at No. 22 of the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, which ranks by audience listenership across both adult and mainstream R&B/hip-hop stations.

There, the single repeats in rank but adds 3% in audience to reach 5.7 million in the week ending March 27. “Off” previously had climbed to No. 20 to clinch Maxwell’s 12th top 10 on the list. The stretch began with his breakout hit, “Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder),” which soared to No. 7 in 1996, and includes two No. 1s, “Fortunate” and “Pretty Wings.”

“Off” is expected to appear on Maxwell’s forthcoming album, blacksummers’NIGHT, the third and final installment of his album trilogy.

The first chapter, BLACKsummers’night, premiered in 2009, while the follow-up, blackSUMMERS’night, arrived in 2016. Both projects debuted at No. 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, with the former ruling for four weeks and the latter on top for two frames.

Kehlani Teams Up with Justin Bieber for New Single “Up At Night”

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Kehlani’s stayin’ up with a special guest…

The 26-year-old part-Mexican American singer-songwriter has joined voices with Justin Bieber for the stunning new single “Up At Night.”

Kehlani

The grooving R&B jam, with Bieber stopping in for a guest verse, is the second single the pair has collaborated on, following their 2020 duet “Get Me” off of Bieber’s Changes.

At the onset, “Up At Night” sounds like many of Kehlani’s recent singles leading up to her new album — ethereal, smooth, and sultry. But by the time it reaches the chorus, the song ratchets up, with a kicked-back beat and some slick guitars bringing a vibe-driven dance feel to the track.

Once Kehlani’s finished letting their vocals shine on the infectious chorus, Bieber takes over, crooning about his romantic obsession, his energy perfectly matching Kehlani’s. “You’rе the light of my life, you’re my mеanin’/ Girl, you got what I want, what I needed,” Bieber sings.

In a statement, Kehlani gave fans some insight on the song’s meaning, while also offering props to Bieber for joining her on the single. “It’s about having a healthily obsessed relationship. You’re telling someone, ‘I love you so much it keeps me awake at night,’” she said. “I love what Justin did, and it’s such a fun one to dance to.”

“Up All Night” is the latest single off of Blue Water Road, Kehlani’s hotly anticipated third studio album.

Last week, the star announced that the album would drop April 29 via Atlantic Records, and shared that the album would be an “emotional journey, a sexual journey, and a spiritual journey.”

Kehlani Releases Stunning New Single “Little Story”

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It’s story time for Kehlani.

The 26-year-old part-Mexican American Grammy-nominated singer has released the stunning new single “Little Story.”

KehlaniThe minimalist production — paired with Kehlani’s crystal-clear voice — offers a taste of simplicity from the R&B star, but the songwriting employed throughout showcases Kehlani’s prowess as a wordsmith.

Told from her perspective singing to a lost love, Kehlani urges them to “pick up the pen and write me into your story,” while the sound twists and shifts throughout the stunning song.

“Little Story” is just another example of why Kehlani is currently at the top of her game.

Tommy Castro Earns Five Blues Music Awards Nominations

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Tommy Castro’s got the blues for days…

The 66-year-old Latino blues, R&B and rock guitarist, singer and songwriter is the top nominee for the 2022 Blues Music Awards, with five nominations.

Tommy Castro,

Castro is nominated for the B.B. King entertainer of the year award, album of the year, band of the year (with The Painkillers), contemporary blues album, and blues rock artist.

This is Castro’s fourth nomination for the entertainer of the year award, which he won in 2008 and 2010.

Curtis Salgado has earned three nominations, including Contemporary blues album for Damage Control.

Hector Anchondo is nominated in the Acoustic blues album category for his acclaimed album Let Loose These Chains.

Laura Chavez is nominated in the Instrumentalist – guitar category.

The awards, presented by the Blues Foundation, are in their 43rd year.

The awards will be presented on May 5 at Memphis’ Renasant Convention Center.

The Blues Foundation’s Blues Hall of Fame induction ceremony is set to take place on May 4 at Memphis’ Halloran Centre at the Orpheum. The 2022 class of inductees will be announced in the coming weeks.

The complete list of Blues Music Award nominees can be found below and on The Blues Foundation’s website — www.blues.org. The ballot will be open to current Blues Foundation members until 11:59 pm CST on March 18.

Founded in 1980, the Blues Foundation has approximately 4,000 individual members and 173 affiliated blues societies representing another 50,000 fans and professionals worldwide.

Here’s a full list of nominees for the 2022 Blues Music Awards:

B.B. King Entertainer of the Year
Tommy Castro
Eric Gales
Mr. Sipp (Castro Coleman)
J.P. Soars
Sugaray Rayford

Album of the year
Holler If You Hear Me, Altered Five Blues Band
Not In My Lifetime, Wee Willie Walker & The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra
Pinky’s Blues, Sue Foley
Raisin’ Cain, Chris Cain
Tommy Castro Presents A Bluesman Came To Town, Tommy Castro

Band of the year
Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra
J.P. Soars and the Red Hots
Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials
Sugaray Rayford Band
Tommy Castro & The Painkillers

Song of the year
“Fragile Peace and Certain War” — written & performed by Carolyn Wonderland
“Holler If You Hear Me” — written by Jeff Schroedl, Mark Solveson; performed by Altered Five Blues Band
“I’d Climb Mountains” — written & performed by Selwyn Birchwood
“Real Good Lie” — written by Christine Vitale, Larry Batiste, Anthony Paule; performed by Wee Willie Walker & The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra
“Somewhere” — co-written by Tommy Castro & Tom Hambridge; performed by Tommy Castro & The Painkillers 

Best emerging artist album
GA-20 Does Hound Dog Taylor: Try It… You Might Like It!, GA-20
Just Say The Word, Gabe Stillman
Live On Beale Street: A Tribute To Bobby “Blue” Bland, Rodd Bland and the Members Only Band
Welcome To The Land, Memphissippi Sounds
You Ain’t Unlucky, Veronica Lewis

Acoustic blues album
Dear America, Eric Bibb
Land of the Sky, Catfish Keith
Let’s Get Happy Together, Maria Muldaur
Let Loose These Chains, Hector Anchondo
The Trio Sessions, EG Kight

Blues rock album
Alafia Moon, Damon Fowler
Dance Songs For Hard Times, The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
Resurrection, Mike Zito
Tinfoil Hat, Popa Chubby
Unemployed Highly Annoyed, Jeremiah Johnson

Contemporary blues album
662, Kingfish
Damage Control, Curtis Salgado
Holler If You Hear Me, Altered Five Blues Band
Raisin’ Cain, Chris Cain
Tommy Castro Presents A Bluesman Came To Town, Tommy Castro

Soul blues album
Let’s Have A Party, Gerald McClendon
Long As I Got My Guitar, Zac Harmon
Not In My Lifetime, Wee Willie Walker & The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra
You Get What You Give: Duets, Dave Keller
You Gotta Have It, Tia Carroll

Traditional blues album
Be Ready When I Call You, Guy Davis
Bob Corritore & Friends: Spider In My Stew, Bob Corritore
Boogie w/ R.L. Boyce (Live), R.L. Boyce
Little Black Flies, Eddie 9V
Pinky’s Blues, Sue Foley

Acoustic blues artist
Eric Bibb
Kevin Burt
Guy Davis
Doug MacLeod
Keb’ Mo’

Blues rock artist
Albert Castiglia
Tommy Castro
Tinsley Ellis
Ana Popovic
Joanne Shaw Taylor

Contemporary blues female artist
Vanessa Collier
Thornetta Davis
Ruthie Foster
Danielle Nicole
Carolyn Wonderland

Contemporary blues male artist
Selwyn Birchwood
Chris Cain
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
Kenny Neal
Mr. Sipp (Castro Coleman)

Soul blues female artist
Annika Chambers
Trudy Lynn
Terrie Odabi
Kat Riggins
Vaneese Thomas

Soul blues male artist
William Bell
Don Bryant
John Nemeth
Johnny Rawls
Curtis Salgado

Traditional blues female artist (Koko Taylor Award)
Rory Block
Sue Foley
Rhiannon Giddens
Diunna Greenleaf
EG Kight

Traditional blues male artist
Cedric Burnside
Super Chikan
Taj Mahal
Sugar Ray Norcia
Jontavious Willis

Instrumentalist – bass
Willie J. Campbell
Larry Fulcher
Jerry Jemmott
Scot Sutherland
Danielle Nicole

Instrumentalist – drums
Danny Banks
June Core
Tom Hambridge
Derrick D’Mar Martin
Chris Peet

Instrumentalist – guitar
Christoffer “Kid” Andersen
Chris Cain
Laura Chavez
Anson Funderburgh
Eric Gales
J.P. Soars

Instrumentalist – harmonica
Billy Branch
Bob Corritore
Jason Ricci
Brandon Santini
Kim Wilson

Instrumentalist – horn
Mindi Abair
Jimmy Carpenter
Marc Franklin
Regi Oliver
Nancy Wright

Instrumentalist – piano (Pinetop Perkins Piano Player Award)
Eden Brent
Mike Finnigan
Dave Keyes
Veronica Lewis
Jim Pugh

Instrumentalist – vocals
Thornetta Davis
Ruthie Foster
John Nemeth
Sugaray Rayford
Curtis Salgado