Philadelphia native and artist, Mel Alston Jr performs his song entitled "Dreamer"
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Mel Alston Jr "Broad Street"
I had the pleasure to meet Philadelphia's own Mel Alston Jr. Real cool dude and a pure vocalist. I haven't had a chance to listen to his entire project "Waking Up Vol #1" but from what I've heard so far, it's a dope project. "Broad Street" is featured on his project "Waking Up Vol #1" (which is available on BandCamp)
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Welcome To The Soul Music Cafe
For those who are just joining me, I've created a blog for the people who may not be familiar with certain artists (underground and mainstream). This blog gives you exactly what you may want. Have a hard time finding certain R&B songs? Look no further. Music downloads, mixtapes, album, videos, interviews,etc. If you have any request or questions, contact me at james.johnsonmusic@gmail.com and I will post as soon as I can. Please give me feedback (bad or good)' I want to improve this blog so I can fulfill everyone's needs. So for now, I hope you all enjoy and tell your friends...The Soul Music Cafe is now OPEN!
Follow me on Instagram---> jamesjohnsonjunior
Carl Thomas "So Much Better"
Carl Thomas is by far one of the great singers of our time. After taking a hiatus from music back 2007, Carl releases his single "Don't Kiss Me" in 2011. We were hoping for a huge comeback with a new album but no luck. His new "Conquer" was set to be released in 2012 but no word from the label but for now, Mr. Thomas has been touring and performing his classic records.
Brandy x Wanya Morris "Brokenhearted"
This another main reason why I believe the 90's were the "Golden Era" of music. You have a singer such as Brandy collaborate with popular Boyz II Men lead singer, Wanya Morris. Nowadays we can't even get a great duet with your favorite singers. In the great words of Jesse Jackson "Keep hope alive"
Total "What About Us"
Remember seeing these young ladies in the LL Cool J video "Loungin"? Well after signing with Bad Boy, Total took off in the R&B world. Working with major artists such as LL Cool J, Missy Elliott and The Notorious B.I.G. They were first seen in Bad Boy Records artist The Notorious B.I.G. "Juicy" video and also remixed tracks with Foxy Brown and Lil' Kim.
As recent, it was said that Total will be performing in London the day after Valentines' Day so that means look out for new music from these young ladies
Mario x Nicki Minaj "Somebody Else" x 21 Century "Remember The Rain"
In 2002, we were all introduced to a 16 year-old kid, singing "Just A Friend" and 11 years later he's singing "Somebody Else". Watching the evolution of singers can be inspiring sometimes. Just watching them grow (vocally) and maturing as an artist.
Once I heard the beat dropped I knew exactly where this song came from. "Somebody Else" was sampled from 1970s Soul group called 21 Century "Remember The Rain"
Kindred Family Soul "Where Would I Be (Questions)" x "Far Away"
Long rides to South Carolina I would hear this song is backseat of my parents car. And this song never will grow old. From those that don't know Kindred Family Soul, they come out of Philadelphia, PA and emerged also with Philadelphia singer Jill Scott (which who had discovered them)
Jon B. "Someone To Love" (Live)
Jon B. performs "Someone To Love" written by singer-songwriter Babyface
Jon B. "Before It's Gone"
I always hear people say where is Jon B? He's been making music and performing. His latest album entitled "Comfortable Swagg" is available on iTunes. And he also released in 2008 entitled "Helpless Romantic". Almost 20 years and Jon B. continues to leave the ladies feeling like it's 1997
IMX (formerly Known As Immature) "Everytime"
Way before B2K, Pretty Ricky and Mind Behavior we had Immature. Regardless of what society thinks off them now, these guys had great chemistry and made great music. Remember House Party 3 though?! lol. Recently lead-singer Marques Houston released an album entitled "Famous" in July 2013
Gnarls Barkley "A Little Better"
It's crazy how these two can make such great music. Cee-Lo Green is a amazing artist by himself but add producer Brian Burton to the mix and multiply that by 1000. Their albums are great but still haven't gained the respect from the music industry. "A Little Better" is from "Odd Couple" album, which was released in 2008
Trey Songz x Karina Pasian (In The Studio) x "Understand Me"
To be honest Trey Songz was the man back then. The song they're recording is entitled "Understand Me" which is featured on Karina Pasian project. Check for the song below
Trey Songz "In My Mind" (Mixtape)
Trey Songz is not just your average singer. He raps too and is dope! Back in 2007, he released this dope mixtape that I still play til this day. You should do the same. YuuuuuuPPPP!
James Johnson "Live In My Mind"
These are my guys right here. Kevin Johnson (Left) and Mike James, Jr. (Right) from Kansas City, form the group James Johnson, are a hidden talent in the R&B world. Expect more music from these guys. Just wait on it!
Follow Mike James Jr on Instagram: mikejuneyer
Follow Kevin Johnson on Instagram: churchboii87
Soul For Real "Candy Rain"
Not just that R&B music to set the mood but that R&B that makes you want to get up and dance. Soul For Real was definitely a group that set the mood and also made you get up and dance. "Candy Rain" was released in 1995 and written and produced by Teddy Riley and others. Soul For Real just finished touring with Case, Ginuwine and many others. They have recently signed a multi-album deal with IMG/Warner Brothers
Tony! Toni! Toné! "Feels Good"
I hear this song everyday I'm at work and I just want to have a house party and dance like they did in "House Party"
Erykah Badu "Bag Lady" (Video)
"Bag Lady" originally released in 2000. Later remixed, which samples Dr. Dre "Xxplosive" from his 1999 album 2001
Erykah Badu "Turn Me Away (Get Munny)" x "Window Seat"
Erykah Badu as known as the Queen of Neo-Soul has been rocking almost over 20 years now and continues to surprise and please her fans. As of recent, Miss. Badu has been touring and making a few cameos with artists such as Janelle Monae and Kendrick Lamar. Erykah your fans are patiently waiting for a new album. Hopefully Andre 3000 and Kendrick Lamar are feature on it
Monday, December 23, 2013
Soul For Real x Heavy D "Candy Rain (Remix)" (Video)
Cooler than a polar bear's toenail. R.I.P. Heavy D.
Jeremih "Late Nights" (Hosted By DJ Drama) (Mixtape)
Who says a R&B singer can't make a dope mixtape?!
Jamie Foxx "I Wish You Were Here" (Live)
Jamie Foxx performs "I Wish You Were Here" at The American Music Awards. This song was dedicated to his grandmother
Jamie Foxx "Light A Candle"
We all know Jamie Foxx for being a talented comedian, actor and singer. Jamie has the talent to out-sing many of today's artist, if his main focus was music. If only we could get one more real R&B album from this guy.
"Light A Candle" is featured on Jamie Foxx's debut album "Peep This" which was released in 1994. Available on iTunes
Janelle Monae "Cloud 9"
Janelle Monae has been around for a while now. Not many knew about her unofficial album "The Audition" which was released in 2003. Here's my favorite song off of the album "Cloud 9". The album is FREE so download it by clicking here--->
Janelle Monae x Solange Knowles "Electric Lady"
Ms. Janelle Monae is one of favorite artist. She's been around since 2003, doing what she does best. Over the years Janelle Monae has been made several cameos (such as) in the movie "Idlewild" (which featured Outkast's Big Boi and Andre 3000). Janelle continues to take the world by storm. Here's a dope track from her latest album "The Electric Lady" available on iTunes
Jaheim "Backtight" x Teddy Pendergrass "Somebody Told Me"
After 6 years, American R&B singer Jaheim continues to deliver that rare form of R&B/Soul. When first introduced to the world, a lot of comparisons of his singing style and voice to the late Teddy Pendergrass. And til this day, I believe Jaheim has one of the strongest voices in the genre of R&B and Soul. Maybe one of the strongest voices in music period.
In the year of 2002, Jaheim released a record entitled "Backtight"; which was believe it or not sampled from the late Teddy Pendergrass. The song was entitled "Somebody Told Me" and was released on 1977
Donell Jones "Knocks Me Off My Feet"
People always say you can not re-create a classic. Personal, I feel this is one the greatest renditions of a classic record. Original performed by Stevie Wonder, Donell Jones decided to sing the classic "Knocks Me Off My Feet". Which is featured on Donell Jones 1st album "My Heart; available on iTunes
Static Major (In The Studio)
Here's some footage of Static Major and Smoke E. Digglera putting together a song for Smoke's latest album. Static Major and Smoke E. Digglera are two-thirds of the group Playa. In 2008, Static Major died in his hometown (Louisville, Kentucky) from a rare condition "Myasthenia gravis"
Static Major "The Unreleased" (Mixtape)
Here's a project I put together a few years back. For those that don't know Static Major, he was one of key songwriters for artists such as Ginuwine, Aaliyah, Missy Elliott, Pretty Ricky, Pleasure P and many more. Some of your favorite songs, written by this man...Static Major
Ginuwine "Pony" (Video)
Here's Ginuwine's classic video from his debut album "Ginuwine...The Bachelor". Also "Pony" was sampled from "Moments In Love" performed by Art of Noise
Ginuwine "Wait A Minute"
Before known as Ginuwine, he was featured in many videos with Jodeci and other popular R&B artists. After meeting with rapper Missy Elliott, producer and writer Stephen "Static Major" Garrett, Ginuwine's career took off with his classic hit "Pony" (written by Static Major). Ginuwine's style some what resemble a Hip-Hop Michael Jackson. Many may not agree but Ginuwine is one of the greatest R&B singing and dancing R&B artist of our time.
"Wait A Minute" is featured on Ginuwine's 1999 album "100 % Ginuwine" available on iTunes
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Breakfast Club 105.1 Interview Bobby V.
Bobby V sits down with The Breakfast Club and speaks on his new EP "Peach Moon" available on iTunes
Jaheim "House Is Not A Home" (Live)
Jaheim honors the late and great Luther Vandross by singing a R&B classic
Sista "Sweat You Down"
Don't one of these young ladies look familiar? Well if you don't know popular Hip-Hop artist Missy Elliott was apart of an R&B group called "Sista". With not much commercial success, Sista was one of the DOPEST female groups of the genre of R&B. Haven't heard any of their music? Don't worry, I got you. Check out their most popular song and one of my favorite songs "Sweat You Down"
Aaliyah "It's Whatever"
Many female performers have came and went but there's still not one performer that can do what Aaliyah has done for music. "It's Whatever" is featured on Aaliyah last album entitled "Aaliyah". Available on iTunes
After 7 "Ready or Not"
I remember as a child, I used to hear this song in the car on my way to school and it just stuck with me. I truly gained an appreciation for this song and the group. Well 2 of these men right here are the (blood) brothers of Grammy Award-winning singer and writer Babyface. Check out their Platinum selling album "After 7" on iTunes
Calvin Richardson x Chico DeBarge "True Love"
Over the years I began to listen to this guy from North Carolina; never really knew what his name was but only knew a few songs. After watching the news one morning, he was performing on ABC Good Morning America and Calvin Richardson is definitely in heavy rotation on my playlist. Check out his latest album "America's Most Wanted" available on iTunes
Esperanza Spalding "Ponta De Areia"
Esperanaza Spalding has certainly grew on me over the past couple of years. Something about her is so vintage but so different. I always enjoy good music. By the way, this song may not be in English but remember, music is universal. Listen...
Case x Joe "Faded Pictures"
Case will always be considered in my book, one of the greatest R&B singers of the 90's. All we ask for is that R&B music to get back to this. Case is set to release a new album entitled "Heaven's Door" in early 2014; following up his 2010 project "Here, My Love"
Cee-Lo Green "Bodies"
Being a fan of Cee-Lo over the years, I was not expecting his "Lady Killer" album to be so great. It's one of those albums where you can play from start to finish without skipping a song. Nowadays you can catch him on "The Voice". But don't forget to get his album "The Lady Killer" on iTunes. You won't be disappointed
D'Angelo "Send It On"
Personally, my favorite singer of all-time D'Angelo created two classic albums and I wonder will there be a 3rd? I can only pray that it happens. D'Angelo is one of those rare artist that you can't just discover. The God-Father of Neo-Soul and his music speaks for itself. "Send It On" is featured on D'Angelo's classic album "Voodoo". Available on iTunes
D'Angelo x Questlove "Tell Me (If You Still Care)" (Live)
It's one thing to have your favorite song but have your favorite sing that song is pure genius. After a 11 year, hiatus D'Angelo returned back to music and decided to sing his rendition of S.O.S. Band "Tell Me (If You Still Care)"
S.O.S. Band "Tell Me (If You Still Care)"
1977 in Atlanta, Georgia where it all started. The S.O.S. Band have been rocking for over 25 years. Over the years they have delivered nothing but classic. As the 80's rolled around, members decided to go their separate ways but did not have much success as solo artists. But they will always be remember for their music.
Ready For The World "Tonight"
As a young kid, I used to hear music from this group but never knew who they were until I became older and really began to enjoy their music. Ready For The World is their name!
Mike James, Jr. "The Day I Married My Angel" (Live)
Kansas City's own Mike James, Jr. I was on Facebook one day and one of friends sent me a message and told me to check out this guy from Kansas City. We exchanged contact info and the rest was history. Really a dope singer and also a real cool dude. He recently released his 1st album on iTunes entitled "So We Dream".
Smoke E. Digglera "Sittin On A Goldmine" (Album)
Here's Smoke E. Digglera 2006 album "Sittin On A Goldmine". Enjoy!
Smoke E. Digglera "Say U Really Luv Me Baby" (In-Studio Performance)
One third of the group "Playa", Smoke E. Digglera is one artist I've been following for some time now. Check him out on YouTube
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Miguel "Mischief" (Mixtape)
2012 and 2013 have been amazing to R&B singer Miguel. But not many know he's been around for a while now. 2010, he released his mixtape "Mischief" . Check it out!
Elle Varner "Conversational Lush" (Mixtape)
I became a fan of Elle Varner, when I saw her live in Philadelphia, PA at The 2012 Global Fusion Event. I just couldn't get past her beauty and her voice. After a recent interview, Elle is currently working on her sophomore album
Calvin Richardson "You're So Amazing" (Video)
"You're So Amazing" is featured on Calvin Richardson's latest album "America's Most Wanted"
BJ The Chicago Kid "Pineapple Now-Laters" (Album)
Recently a friend of mine from Kansas City, told me about this guy and I checked out his music and was blown away. Check him out for yourself
Playa "Cheers 2 U" (Video)
They say, the 90's was the "Golden Era of Music". Well, what makes you think any different?
A group form through amazing writers and producers, Playa was created and released maybe the greatest but underrated R&B album of it's time. "Cheers 2 U" is available on iTunes
Usher x Monica "Slow Jam"
In 1997, Usher and Monica (both from Atlanta, GA) decided to create their own rendition of the classic "Slow Jam". Originally performed by Midnight Star
Toni Braxton "Love Shoulda Brought You Home"
Ladies and Gentlemen, man I don't know where to begin. All I can say, Toni Braxton's 1st album self entitled "Toni Braxton" is the greatest R&B album from a female singer ever. Not up for a debate. I will posting more music from Toni Braxton in the near future but check out one of my favorite songs from her
Sparkle "So Bad" (Video)
Sparkle's new single "So Bad".
Sparkle is currently signed to MoTown/Universal Records
Sparkle x R.Kelly "Be Careful" (Video)
R.Kelly is responsible for a lot of talent in the music industry. And here's a group of young women that can really harmonize and that they did. Wonder where they're at now? Well 2008, Sparkle testified against R.Kelly in a subsequent criminal trial of child pornography and which R.Kelly was found NOT guilty. Well on a lighter not, Sparkle released a single in 2012 entitled "So Bad"
Usher "Think Of You" (Video)
Those of us who were raised in the 90's watched Usher grow from a young kid to a grown man. It's unbelievable that this video was debuted almost 20 years ago. But Usher continues remain relevant and showing no signs of slowing down
Nicole Wray "Testing Our Love (Suga)" x "Silly Love Song"
Nicole Wray by far in my opinion has one the greatest R&B albums of all-time. Don't take it from me, check out her music (stream below) and also her videos on YouTube
Raheem Devaughn "Jackin 4 Beats" (Mixtape)
Many people know Raheem Devaughn for his mainstream singles. Now for those that don't know, Radio Raheem also jumps on your favorite artist(s) song and makes it his own. Check out many other mixtapes from Raheem on DatPiff
Governor "Out Of My Hands"
R&B artist Governor, once signed with popular music group and label "Grand Hustle" is one of the underrated singers. With two albums over his belt, Governor continues to release music under his label "G-Note". For those who aren't familiar, here's a track from Governor entitled "Out Of My Hands" featured on his 2006 album "Son of Pain"
Latif "Philadelphia Healing" (EP)
Latif's "Philadelphia Healing" (EP) released in 2012, is his latest work and check out his latest videos on YouTube
Latif "I Don't Wanna Hurt You" (Video)
"I Don't Wanna Hurt You" was released in 2002 and was Latif's first commercial single. After 10 years, Latif continues to release dope R&B music
Latif "Breath of Fresh Air" (Mixtape)
Philadelphia's own Latif released "Breath Of Fresh Air" in 2010. Latif has once been seen on the mainstream side of R&B and his most recently EP "Philadelphia Healing" gives you hope that vintage sound of R&B/Soul will return very soon.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Anthony Hamilton "SOUL" (EP)
I'm very proud of this project because I was given the opportunity to put this project together myself. After collecting a variety of music from Anthony Hamilton, I was granted permission from the label to put together an EP. Hope you all enjoy
Emily King "The Seven" (EP)
Emily King's "Seven" (EP) is available on iTunes and BandCamp. Listen and download here! Hope you enjoy!
Emily King "Georgia" (Live)
Emily King, Live from Rockwood Music Hall 2012. "Georgia" is featured on King's "Seven" (EP) available on iTunes
Emily King "Down"
Grammy-nominated singer and writer Emily King has grabbed my attention for the past two years. Songs such as "Down" and Georgia" Emily remains in heavy rotation on my playlist. Check out her official website EmilyKingMusic.com
Eric Roberson "Mister Nice Guy"
Artist: Eric Roberson
Album: Mister Nice Guy
Year: 2011
Genre: R&B/Neo-Soul
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