In The Spotlight: Blogger Sonia Grace

Happy Friday yall! We have another great spotlight for you! As always, if you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, producer, etc, and are interested in being featured on the blog, visit our Features/Submissions page for more information. 

Today, we have blogger Sonia Grace! Originally from Alabama, Sonia got her start in blogging back in November 2013, as a hobby while she went back to school to study nursing. She realized it was something that she wanted to seriously pursue when she began doing celebrity interviews, starting back in 2014 with her first interview with actress Drew Sidora. “I was super nervous because I didn't want to ask her the wrong questions to offend her,” Sonia admitted. “But after that I did tons of other celeb interviews, and then I realized my calling was in broadcast journalism. This was my first time I was happy with a job I was doing.”

RECAP: "What More Can I Say?"-The Game S9, E9

Can't believe The Game is almost over! Picking up from last week, Malik makes the decision to break up with Keira, and she slaps him dead in his face! As she should! Malik is a dummy, who pushes away everybody for no good reason. I guarantee you, though, Keira will try to make her way to Blue, now. It's all a shame!

Meanwhile, Chardonnay and Baby Rog go to brunch at Phatty's after church. Tee Tee advises Baby Rog to bring Chardonnay to Malik's charity event that night. At that moment, Malik shows up and tells Tee Tee that he broke up with Keira, stating that the break up "had to be done" so he wouldn't be distracted from football. That excuse is weak seeing as though Malik is third string and hasn't played in forever! Tee Tee tells him that it's ridiculous, and that he's throwing a good thing away. Malik then comes up with a stupid plan for Tee Tee to poison team members with bad chicken meat so that Malik could possibly play!

NEW MUSIC: "Who You Gonna Call Now"-Yuri Koller

In response to the Sandra Bland tragedy as well as the #BlackLivesMatter movement, Toronto producer and singer Yuri Koller has released his track "Who You Gonna Call Now."

On the ballad, Yuri admits that these brutal police killing upon black people specifically are seeming to become a common occurrence, which is sickening. What do we do to stop this? "It’s not black or white...it seems like there’s more than 50 shades of grey," Yuri sings. "Tryna make it through the night...aren’t the red and blue supposed to save the day?"

Check out the track below!

Grace Gealey and Trai Byers Get Engaged!

Empire's co-stars Grace Gealey and Trai Byers are engaged!

According to E! News, Trai planned the engagement himself. He set it up to where Grace thought they were going to dinner, just the two of them. However, he also gathered a few of her friends and family members to surprise her on the new engagement.

Always good to know that a foundation of love is still being built between two people.

Congratulations to both Trai and Grace!

Image via Google

In The Spotlight: Singer/Songwriter Adrean Black

Another spotlight for the week, and definitely more on the way! If you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, producer, etc., please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information on how to be featured on The Spotlight.

Today, we have singer/songwriter Adrean Black! Adrean fell in love with singing at a very young age. "I was three years old and used to go into my closet with my parents' cassette tape player and sing like no one could hear me," she laughed. "My mom also said I was the loudest pre-schooler on our little children’s choir." Adrean's mom signed her up for vocal lessons shortly after. When the singer's grandmother bought her a Walkman in the third grade, the singer would stay up all night listening to music, and she fell in love. Adrean started writing songs in middle school, and honing her craft. Eventually, Adrean went into partnership with her friends, producers Sir Elroy and Rob Flom, forming music production group RichKid Music. "That's when we really started taking it seriously, knowing that we could really do something with our talents combined," she said.

Fashion Icon Iman Turns 60!

Fashion icon Iman turns 60! Here is a throwback of her flawless work in 1985!

Today, Iman makes 60 look like the the new 20! For years, she has made a pathway for many models today and, if I were to model, she would be my inspiration as well. Iman knows how to work the camera with her different looks, her style and her beauty alone.

Shout out to Iman for being 60 and still strutting! Happy Birthday!

Image via E News.

Kandi Burruss Expecting Child with Todd Tucker

The Real Housewives of Atlanta star, Kandi and her husband Todd Tucker are going to be adding a new addition to their family.

The couple told PEOPLE, "We've been waiting for this moment." Kandi also said to the magazine, "I'm ecstatic!" Kandi previously admitted her struggle to conceive on RHOA. Both Todd and Kandi each have one child from previous relationships.

Kandi is recently filming season eight of RHOA and ready to show of her bundle of joy.

I hope these two have a great pregnancy and that everything goes well when the day comes to welcome the new joy into the world!

Image via PEOPLE

RECAP: "The Crying Game"-The Game S9, E8

Loving this final season of The Game! Picking up from last week, Keira and Malik are having some one-on-one romantic time, when Tasha walks in on them with the baby! I was embarrassed just watching.

That night, Chardonnay and Baby Rog meet up, and he invites her to go to Aspen with him and a few of his friends. However, she declines, saying that she has a spa conference to go to. Seems to me like she's just scared. Meanwhile, Jason and Kelly have some weird Little Red Riding Hood foreplay (Jason even dresses up as a wolf!). However, Jason can't focus because he doesn't know what's going to happen with his job since there is a new owner coming in. Kelly advises that they should find out the new owner is, and try to win them over. However, Jason rejects that idea because no one likes him enough for him to do that. Kelly then suggests that maybe they can buy the Sabers themselves! All they need is some serious investors, including Baby Rog!

NEW MUSIC: "Away"-Timothy J. Wilson

Happy Friday yall! Got some new music for you to check out! Atlanta-based singer Timothy J. Wilson has released his latest track, "Away," from his LOVESONGWRITER EP. 
In addition to the incredible vocals, Timothy arranged the song, as well as played all instruments featured! On the track, he sings of wanting to take his love away for private moments between them. It's a great love track, but what grabs you from the very beginning is the soulful, funk-infused instrumentals! It's really upbeat and fun to dance to. Perfect to jam to this summer! 
Check out the track below!

MUSIC VIDEO: "No Sleeep"-Janet Jackson feat. J. Cole

Janet Jackson, aka "Ms. Jackson If You Nasty," just released her video for “No Sleeep” featuring J. Cole! Look out for her album "Unbreakable" to drop sometime in September.

Check out the video below!

MUSIC VIDEO: "Here I Am"-Stacy Barthe

Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Stacy Barthe has released her visual for her latest track, "Here I Am!" The music video, directed byRyan J. Francis, showcases Stacy's past battles with alcoholism as she seemingly uses it to cope with her life circumstances. The black-and-white visual also features Stacy singing a live acoustic performance of the song in front of a small audience in the studio.

"Here I Am" is featured on her debut album under Motown Records, BEcoming, which features collaborations with Common and John Legend (who also served as executive producer on the album).

Check out the video below!

In The Spotlight: Singer/Songwriter Bassette

We have another great artist for you guys to check out! As always, if you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, producer, etc. that is interested in a feature on The Spotlight, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information.

Today, we have London-based, Bermudan singer/songwriter Bassette! She began singing at the age of 11, after she received a karaoke machine as a Christmas gift. “It was one where we could record ourselves singing to different backings,” the singer reminisced. “That was the first time I really heard myself singing, and the first time anyone else really heard me singing, also.” Bassette began making cover videos on YouTube at around 14, and got great feedback from viewers, encouraging her to pursue music as a career, using her gifts of singing and writing. “I fail at a lot of things, but singing and writing are just something that I am addicted to, and I’m pretty good at [them],” Bassette stated.

NEW MUSIC: "Know You"-emaé

Scottish-born singer/songwriter emaé has released her latest single "Know You!"
The singer wrote and composed the song herself, which will be featured on her upcoming album. It was also co-produced with long time collaborators Hi-Sonorous. emaé opens up on the song about her fear of connecting with new people. The singer said of the song, "If I’m honest, that’s something that still scares me profoundly and it takes a lot to change my solitary tendencies, but this song is my way of capturing the feelings that I experience when I finally get over that hurdle, and let new people in”.

Check out the official lyric video below!

Tyler Perry to Star Alongside Chloe Grace Moretz in Brain On Fire

Tyler Perry will be starring in a new movie entitled Brain on Fire! 

According to E! News, he movie is based on a memoir by journalist Susannah Cahalan which is titled Brain On Fire: My Month of Madness which was a best seller.

A little background on the movie: The movie/memoir is based on Susannah experiencing an illness that caused her to hear voices, experience paranoia and have violent episodes of lashing out.

Tyler will play the role as an newspaper editor in this new upcoming film. Chloe Grace Moretz stars as Susannah, who works under Tyler's character at The New York Post. Currently shooting in Canada, the cast also includes Thomas Mann, Jenny Slate, Richard Armitage and Carrie-Anne Moss.

Make sure you guys are looking out for previews!

Image via E News

Fantasia and Kendall Taylor Tie the Knot

American Idol winner Fantasia, and her new hubby, Kendall Taylor got married this weekend! As you can see, they look amazing. By the look on Fantasia's face, you can tell she had an amazing weekend.

Also, from this picture, you can tell that the lovely couple looked gorgeous, especially Fantasia's dress. She wore an elegant white dress, with lace sleeves displaying flowers, a floral crown to compliment the sleeves and, to top it off, her bouquet shows some elegance with its jewels.

Hopefully, these two will live a "Happily Ever After" life together and build an even stronger bond. Congratulations to the Taylors!!!


Image via E News

NEW MUSIC: "Everybody Wants To Rule The World (Cover)"-Lega'C Jones

Check out this cover of the Tears For Fears hit song, "Everybody Wants To Rule The World," from indie artist Lega'C Jones!

From his upcoming EP A Boy & His Mic Stand, the cover is a soulful rendition of the classic song that truly does it justice. While sticking to the original lyrics, Lega'C, with production from Old Dominion's Smoke M2D6, truly makes the song his own.
It's definitely a smooth track that I think you all will enjoy.

Check out the cover below!

CELEB SPOTTING: Rihanna Rocking Pajamas in NYC

Rihanna always looks sexy! One thing I have to know, how do you still look stunning with pajamas?!?! She's the only person I know that could step out with pajamas and look stunning! This image was caught while she was in the Big Apple. That's the way to do it when you're only stepping out.

Not to mention, the sheer bra and the fuzzy heels really compliment the outfit. Rihanna has won it again. You go girl!

Image via E News

In The Spotlight: Hip Hop Artist Troy Patterson, Jr

A spotlight to start the week! Definitely have more that will be posted this week and next, so be on the lookout! As always, if you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, writer, etc., that would like to be featured on The Spotlight, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information.

Today, we have hip hop artist Troy Patterson, Jr. During his four-year stint in the U.S. Navy, Troy began experiment with making beats, eventually leaving the military to study and develop his craft. However, his beats weren't getting much recognition at first, and he eventually ended up writing and rapping a song of his own just to prove that his production skills were up to par. "I had a guy master it for me, and he was like, 'Man, you might need to look at rapping, because I've been playing it for people and they really like it,'" Troy stated. From there, Troy began to focus on rapping, and honing his skills.

MUSIC VIDEO: "Dance Like We're Making Love"-Ciara

From her latest album, Jackie, Ciara has released her new video for "Dance Like We're Making Love". 

This video shows another side of Ciara that she never fails to hide. She never fails to surprise us with her choreography and her sexy demeanor.

Check out the video below!

RECAP: "Clip It...Clip It Good"-The Game S9, E7

The Game is really winding down, with only three more episodes after this until the SERIES FINALE! Picking up from last week, this episode was really a filler episode as we took a walk down Memory Lane, seeing clips of the history of the show! At the beginning, the police bring Blue over to Jason's. Turns out Blue was an unruly protester at a rally for immigration reform! Guess he's taking his protester role seriously since he and the Sabers stood against Roger, Sr. Then again, Blue is suspended for a bit, so no telling where his head's at. The police only gave him over to Jason because they have money on a future game. Jason makes it clear that the team is who needs Blue's help right now.

In The Spotlight: Hip Hop Artist Kupid

Keeping the spotlights coming! As always, if you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, producer, etc., and are interested in a feature, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information.

Today we have rising Caribbean hip hop artist Kupid (aka Q)! Born to an Antiguan father and a Guyanese mother, the artist grew up listening to a variety of different music with his family. "Every Sunday was 'Music Day,'" Kupid chuckled. "Everybody would gather around and just listen to records." He would listen to music on a daily basis, and started doing some singing, rapping, and experimentation with music in high school.

MUSIC VIDEO: "Battleships"-Ashlinn Gray

Rising South African singer Ashlinn Gray has released the video for her debut single "Battleships!" Featured on the singer's self-titled EP, the moving, upbeat track definitely had a great music video to match its inspirational message.

“With my EP being built around light and dark, and 'Battleships' being the biggest symbol of these two opposites, I wanted the music video to emphasis this theme," Ashlinn said of the song. "What really makes this video special is that I was able to incorporate some of my favorite things in life: friends and family, celebration, and last but not least, sparklers." The singer continued, “Having such a cohesive team behind the makings of the video has made the experience unforgettable and has produced a product I am proud of.”

Check out the inspiring video below!

PICTURE: Tika Sumpter and Parker Sawyer in Southside With You

Parker Sawyer and The Have and The Have Nots' star Tika Sumpter and will be starring as President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama in an upcoming movie titled Southside With You. Here is a sneak peek of what to expect from the lovely pair as they get in character.

This movie was inspired by the Obamas' first date in the Windy City (Chicago). When this movie hits theaters, I recommend seeing it with your lovely partner and your family.

Southside With You is a must see movie and I know will not want to miss it as well. Keep your eyes open for previews!

 Image via E News

MUSIC VIDEO: "Cherish"-Blaq Tuxedo

Grammy-nominated group Blaq Tuxedo has premiered their visual for new track "Cherish!"

First premiering on SingersRoom.com, "Cherish" is featured on the group's upcoming project, Limousine, which will be released in September.

The group said of the song and visual, "'Cherish' puts a relaxing twist on the casual romance. The visual was intended to be very clean yet sensual, to match the mood of the song. It makes women feel special, but also makes them want to dance!” It seamlessly combines R&B and hip hop for a great track that listeners, especially the ladies, can vibe to!
Check out the video below!

The New Addition to the Curry Family: Ryan Curry

The Curry family have welcomed into the world their beautiful new baby girl Ryan Curry!  She is a such a beautiful baby and surrounded by great love from her family!

"I'm wayyyyy up I feel Blessed! God is Great," Stephen said in a caption of a pic of wife Ayesha along with 2-year-old Riley, holding her baby sister! "Thanks to the doctors and staff at Alta Bates for taking care of my girls, especially Dr. Poddatori. Healthy baby and @ayeshacurry is all I prayed for. #prouddaddy."

I know Riley is excited to have a little sister. I've experienced the same kind of happiness when my little brother was born.

Congratulations to the Curry family!!!

Image via E News

The Originals' Claire Holt Engaged to Boyfriend Matt Kaplan

Claire Holt, best known for her role as Rebekah Mikaelson on the hit show The Originals, is getting married!

The actress announced the news on her Instagram page, posting a picture of her with boyfriend Matt Kaplan. The lighting is bright, but you can somewhat see a ring glistening on her finger! Claire simply captioned the photo, "Yes."

Congrats to the happy couple!

Image via Instagram

Da Brat Replaces Claudia Jordan On 'The Rickey Smiley Morning Show'

Rapper Da Brat will once again be blasting through our radio speakers, but this time around she's lending her voice to The Rickey Smiley Morning Show.

MUSIC VIDEO: "Feel Right"- Mark Ronson ft. Mystikal

Mark Ronson has dropped his visual for the track "Feel Right," ft. Mystikal from his latest album Uptown Special!

Check out the video below!

MUSIC VIDEO: "About You" - Trey Songz

For the visual to "About You," from his latest album Trigga: Reloaded, Trey Songz has himself a hotel party before hitting the stage! Check out the video below!

MUSIC VIDEO: "Energy"- Drake

Exclusively released through Apple Music, Drake drops the video for "Energy" off of his latest album, If You're Reading This It's Too Late.

Check out the video below!

RECAP: "Get Up, Stand Up"-The Game S9, E6

How do you like this final season of The Game?Picking up from last week, half of the Sabers stuck to their word for the walkout in response to Roger, Sr.’s negative comments towards them. They didn't show up to a game, forcing Jason to have to forfeit. Roger, of course, isn't at all pleased, and tells Jason that he needs to get the rest of the players back now!

Later, Tasha and Blue prepares for an appearance on TV to speak out about the walkout. Blue doesn’t think that he should be the leader in all this. He’s just speaking from his heart. However, Tasha tells him that someone has to lead to effect change, and Blue, being the team captain, is that person, regardless of if he wants to or not. Blue has to step up, especially since he started this whole walkout in the first place.

In The Spotlight: Hip Hop Artist Luminarty

Another spotlight for you all! As always, if you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, model, etc., please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information on how to be featured!

Today, we have hip hop artist Luminarty! The artist got his start in music after watching his elder brother along with friends developing music of their own. “Immediately, I started developing a passion just for creating music just by looking at their process and the things they went through,” Luminarty said. He then started writing his own lyrics and developing his skills. Soon after, he linked up with Baltimore production group Mizfitz Sounds (50 Cent, Young Thug, Tinashe) to create more music. “That’s when I started taking things a lot more seriously,” the rapper admitted. “[I started] working on getting albums together, [and] I dropped a few mixtapes. It’s something that I really developed into a skill.”

Floetry Drops Additional Dates for Reunion Tour

Neo-soul duo Floetry are back after a ten-year hiatus, performing on a reunion tour for their fans throughout the country! The tour kicked off in Cleveland in mid-June, but now the tour has been extended to dates in August!

Per The Purple Agency,

"Before their split in 2005, the English-soul group sold over 1.5 million albums and were considered to be the most promising neo-soul team at the time. While still maintaining a friendship, both creatives released multiple solo projects. Natalie "the Floacist" Stewart released 3 studio recorded albums. Marsha "the Songstress" Ambrosius went on to release two mixtapes and two studio albums, which resulted in three Grammy nominations."

Check out the additional dates below!

MUSIC VIDEO: "BBHMM"- Rihanna (NSFW)

NOTE: Video is explicit. NSFW! 

Rihanna has officially dropped the music video for her single "B**** Better Have My Money"!

After giving fans a teaser of the video at the 2015 BET Awards on Sunday night, she released the whole video on Thursday. The video plays out like a crazy revenge fantasy and was created and directed by RiRi herself.

Check the video below!

In The Spotlight: Singer Sydney Ranee

Got a new spotlight for you all! As always, if you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, poet, etc., and would like to be featured on The Spotlight, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information.

Today, we have singer Sydney Ranee! Sydney began her musical journey rather early in life. “My mom said that before I could talk, I was always humming tunes,” she said. Believing in her talent, Sydney’s mother put her in performing art schools where her love for music began. “I got a chance to experiment with different genres of music,” Sydney said of her experience. “At the age of 10, I knew that music was definitely something I wanted to pursue.” The singer joined a jazz ensemble in high school, and also worked on gospel and R&B projects. Working with these different genres, Sydney discovered her voice and sound. You hear pieces of all of these genres in her current music!

BABY NEWS: Tamera Mowry-Housley Gives Birth!

Another celeb baby has made it's arrival! "The Real" daytime host Tamera Mowry-Housley and husband, Fox News correspondent Adam Housley, have welcomed a new baby girl to their family.

The new addition expands this family to four, as the couple gave birth to their son Aden in 2012.

Get more details on their new bundle below.

NEW MUSIC: Athazagoraphobia EP-Cherri V

R&B/pop singer Cherri V has released her latest studio EP, Athazagoraphobia!

"Athazagoraphobia" is the fear of being forgotten or ignored, which Cherri V can relate to as an artist. Working with producer Davinche, Sony Music's Hannah V and songwriter Jake Isaac among others, the singer has developed a great project that I'm sure you all will enjoy. This EP is full of soul and emotion that is relatable to everyone.

Check out the EP below!

RECAP: "Hashtag My Bad"-The Game S9, E5

Already, we are halfway through the final season of The Game! Picking up from last week, Tasha has a photo shoot for a "Super Mom" feature for PEOPLE! She's literally in a Superwoman costume, holding the baby! She definitely has a lot on her plate, and balancing all that with motherhood is definitely a challenge. Meanwhile, at lunch, Keira talks to a friend about Malik and all the messages he's sent, including the one where he claims he wants her. She doesn't know what to make of it, and has been hiding from everyone, since her and Blue's breakup is public news. Keira's friend says that she should take a chance on Malik, and I agree. Sure, people are going to have a lot to say, but who cares what people think? She calls Malik, and tells him that they need to talk later face to face.

NEW MUSIC: "Candy Coated Waterfalls"-The Voice & The Symbol

Singer The Voice & The Symbol has released her solo debut single "Candy Coated Waterfalls!" The smooth single is from her upcoming EP Force of Nature, which is set to drop this summer.

Check out the track below!