"Dirty Little Secret"-The Challenge: Battle of the Bloodlines Episode 6

Back to back episodes of The Challenge: Battle of the Bloodlines last night, so you all get back to back recaps! Picking up from episode five, Abram's confessional of his hatred for Johnny Bananas is played. He admits that he's never liked him and he doesn't trust him one bit. However, they're on the same team so they have to put their differences aside. Oh, but trust, there is a reason that MTV played this specifically for this episode!

"A House Divided"-The Challenge: Battle of the Bloodlines, Episode 5

Apparently, last night, while I was having a ball at the Jazmine Sullivan concert, MTV aired TWO new episodes back-to-back of The Challenge: Battle of the Bloodlines. So I'm playing major catch up right now. I'll be posting the other episode in another post, so this one won't be crazy long.

Picking up from last week, after the Red team's win in trivia, everyone heads off to deliberate who will be heading into The Pit. The vets plan to divide the male rookies, knowing that they're gunning for the vets. In a stupid move, Mike (Abram's brother) volunteers himself, but the Blue Team doesn't go along with his plan. Why would you even do that when you JUST got there? Why risk it?! Nany convinces several Blue Team members to throw in Raphy to break up the rookie alliance, and Johnny tries to get the Red Team to vote for Mitch. Perfect idea.

NEW MUSIC: "Without You"-Logan feat. Tay Walker

Hip hop artist Logan has released his latest track, "Without You," featuring singer Tay Walker!

The artist pays honor to the special lady in his life on the track, realizing how much she means to him. "I don't want to go a day without your love...you know what you do to me," Logan, accompanied by Tay, sings.

Check out the love song below!

EVENT: Jazmine Sullivan Slays at Reality Show Tour Stop in Silver Spring, MD (12.30.2015)

Jazmine Sullivan tore down the house at her stop back in the DMV last night (December 30) for The Reality Show Tour! I had actually just seen her at For Sisters Only in D.C. on Halloween, but surprised my sister on Christmas with tickets to see her! I had always liked Jazmine and thought she was a great singer. However, her third album, Reality Show was, to me, her career-defining album, and made me truly fall in love with her, so I was all too happy to go see her again.

Jazmine SHUT DOWN the Fillmore Silver Spring in Maryland, singing her heart out for her fans as well as opening up about her past experiences in love and learning to love herself again. It was an emotional, fun, incredible night, and I'll definitely be going to see here again.

Check out a few pics and videos below!

In The Spotlight: Alternative Rock Group Reverse Order

A new feature for the week (probably our last for 2015)! As always, if you or your client is interested in a feature on The Spotlight, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information!

Today, we have alternative rock group, Reverse Order! The group was formed in 2008 by brothers John and Cruise Russo, who credit their parents for consistently surrounding them with music since they were little. After the film, School of Rock, was released, the two signed up for the Paul Green School of Rock, which began their journey as musicians. “We learned the music of all the great rock legends and got to perform at some major venues,” John said of the experience. “After performing a few shows, we knew this was something we wanted to do the rest of our lives and started to write our own music and Reverse Order was born!” Guitarist Drew Katsock was added to the group in 2010, after John and Cruise put out an ad looking for a new member. With John on guitar as well and providing lead vocals, and Cruise on drums with backing vocals, the group was finally complete.

MUSIC VIDEO: "She Wildin' " - Fabolous Feat. Chris Brown

Inspired by the classic movie "House Party", Fabolous and Chris Brown revitalize "She Wildin' " off of The Young OG Project that was released a year ago today. Check the video out below and look for "The Young OG Project 2" to be released sometime this February!

NEW MUSIC: "Pass Dat (Remix)" - Jeremih Feat. The Weeknd

Jeremih keeps his name and song "Pass Dat" track in rotation by adding The Weeknd for the official remix, which makes for the second Weeknd-featured track this Christmas!  The original track is featured on the singer's lastest album Late Nights.

Check out the track below and make sure to check out Jeremih's new album if you haven't already!

NEW MUSIC: "Low Life" - Future Feat. The Weeknd

Future and The Weeknd give back to the fans this Christmas with their new collaboration, "Low Life" over a Metro Boomin' and Ben Billions produced track!

Check out the song below!

In The Spotlight: Singer Xav A

Another great spotlight for you all before the holidays! As always, if you are an upcoming artist, designer, dancer, etc., and are interested in being featured on The Spotlight, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information!

Today, we have singer Xav A.! He actually hails from Prince George's County, Maryland (the same area I'm from!), and began singing when he was little. "I loved singing since I was young, and I really wanted to be a performer," Xav said. As he got older, his voice changed, hitting a really low range. and he found that his voice was not an exact match for a lot of the hits he heard on the radio. "It ended up kind of motivating me to write and produce my own music," the singer said.

"Corneesa"-The Challenge: Battle of the Bloodlines, E4

Three teams got knocked out in ONE episode of The Challenge: Battle of the Bloodlines last night. Yes, THREE. Picking up from last week, Tony is taken to the hospital after passing out, as the cast continues to walk towards The Pit. T.J. announces that, because Candice broke her toe, she and Leroy have to go home! The two emotionally say their goodbyes, and T.J. announces that they will still be having the elimination anyway!

MUSIC VIDEO: "Oh My Goodness"-Timothy J. Wilson

We have yet another music video from singer Timothy J. Wilson! This visual is for the singer's track, "Oh My Goodness," which is the second single from his BEATS, BASS, PARTY EP (released in November).

The music video features Timothy in a stylish suit, singing and playing guitar to the woman he loves! Of course, the track itself is infused with funk,  as several of his other tracks are. Absolutely love this guy's music and style!

Check out the music video below!

NEW MUSIC: "Moving On"-Karlson

New music to start the week! Check out this new single from singer Karlson entitled, "Moving On!"

On the track, Karlson sings of having to let go of a person in his life, a situation that many of us have gone through personally. Karma raises its ugly head, and now that person is crashing and burning, as Karlson is steadily rising! Written and produced by the artist himself, the track will be featured on the artist's upcoming mixtape coming soon!

Check out the track below!

Rita Ora Sues Roc Nation

Looks like Hova's house, Roc Nation has another artist looking to branch out because of differences. After Maybach Music Group rapper, Wale left their Management department last year, their British star Rita Ora has "filed a lawsuit that addresses the current state of Roc Nation and tests California's famous "seven-year rule" on personal service contracts" according to The Hollywood Reporter.

RECAP: "Camilanator: Judgement Day"-The Challenge: Battle of the Bloodlines, E3

Things are already really intense on The Challenge: Battle of the Bloodlines and it's only the third episode! Last week was a turning point, as T.J. announced that the bloodlines would now be going AGAINST each other. The cast is in shock as he announces that they will split up into two teams, the Red Team and the Blue Team. Cara Maria and Jamie (as the winners of the last challenge) pick the two teams. Cara has to choose a veteran (someone that was on a show) and the bloodline will automatically go to the other team, then Jamie will do the same until everyone has been chosen. Both teams will have a mix of vets and family members. After everyone is placed on their teams, it looks like the Red Team is filled with a good deal of the weaker players. T.J. reminds them as well that each player's fate is still tied to their bloodlines, though! It's so crazy how this game is unfolding!

Timbaland Announces King Stays King Mixtape To Be Released on Christmas

Grammy-winning producer Timbaland has announced that he will release his new mixtape, King Stays King on Christmas Day through MyMixtapez.com. Featuring collaborations from artists like Young Thug, Rich Homie Quan, Mila J, Blaze, and more, this project will be a great gift to the fans for the holidays!

RECAP: "Some Things Are Black and White"-Being Mary Jane Season 3 Finale

Last night was the season 3 finale of Being Mary Jane, and I can't believe it's already over! Picking up from last week, Mary Jane wakes up in bed with Gorgeous Guy (apparently that's the white boy's official nickname, though we STILL do not know his actual name). They talk about potential dates when the doorball rings, and it's David's mother Simone at the door! Though MJ ignores her knocks at first, Simone is persistent and MJ eventually lets her in. Simone, of course, is here to try to convince Mary Jane to go back to David, which MJ is NOT here for! She asks if Simone forgive her son if she was in Mary Jane's shoes? Probably not. Mary Jane firmly tells Simone that it's over between MJ and David, and that Simone needs to let go. I was proud of MJ in that moment, because she could have very easily slipped back into her old ways, pining after this man. Glad to see she's moved on!

MUSIC VIDEO: "I Want It All"-Melanie Fiona

Melanie Fiona has released her latest song, "I Want It All," as well as an accompanying music video for the track!

The simple visual features Melanie singing to the camera. The singer is positively radiant as she belts the inspirational track, which will be featured on her upcoming album Awake. . She encourages others to take risks and go after their dreams wholeheartedly, just like she is. "Tell me I'm crazy...tell me I'm blind," Melanie sings on a verse. "But don't put a ceiling on how high I fly." The camera slowly zooms out in the end to reveal Melanie's pregnancy, which she announced a little over a month ago.

Check out the beautiful video below!

TEASER: House of Cards Season 4

Netflix's popular series, House of Cards, is back in 2016, and Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) has a new vision for America under his presidency!

The show's Twitter account just posted a quick teaser of season four, announcing the show's return on March 4, 2016. Definitely having a binge watching session that weekend!

Check out the short ad below!

Beverly Bond Announces 2016 Launch of BLACK GIRLS ROCK! AFRICA

Beverly Bond, founder, CEO and executive producer of BLACK GIRLS ROCK!, has announced the official launch of BLACK GIRLS ROCK! AFRICA!

According to PR Newswire, Beverly stated that her incredible women's empowerment movement will be heading to Africa in 2016. She proclaimed the news at the BET Experience Africa, a huge urban music and lifestyle festival held in Johannesburg, South Africa this past weekend (Dec. 12).

NEW MUSIC: "HDIYL (How Deep Is Your Love?)"-LSTNYT

Australian singer LSTNYT (pronounced "Last Night") has released his latest track, "HDIYL (How Deep Is Your Love)!

On the smooth and sexy R&B track, LSTNYT asks his love, "How deep is your love, like the ocean?” This is definitely a hit for the singer-songwriter who’s currently working on his debut project titled Animor.

Check out the track below!

RECAP: "Bad Blood-" The Challenge: Battle of the Bloodlines E2

The Challenge: Battle of the Bloodlines was really crazy last night! Picking up from last week, 13 teams remain.! The cast parties during the day on the beach, and it looks like a lot of fun! Bananas has a GoPro camera on the bus, and records Cara Maria and Thomas getting kind of close! Cara apparently is still seeing Abram (who appeared on Road Rules: South Pacific and a number of these challenges). They even live together in Montana, so I can only imagine what he'll have to say about Cara cozying up to another cast member! That night, T.J. sends a clue to the house for the next challenge: "Things are going to get a bit CREEPY tomorrow. Be ready to leave in the morning."

MOVIE TRAILER: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: Out of the Shadows

After the unpredicatable success of the first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film last year, Nickelodeon is back with the sequel! Just released yesterday, the trailer to the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: Out of the Shadows movie gives us a peek into what the turtles are up against this time!

Wiz Khalifa's "See You Again" Nominated For Golden Globe

After the success of reaching 1 Billion Views on YouTube, Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth have more to celebrate! It was announced today along with the rest of the Golden Globe nominations, the duo's  hit sit single "See You Again" has been nominated for a Golden Globe Award in the category Best Original Song In A Motion Picture! 

RECAP: "Purging and Cleansing," Being Mary Jane S3, E9

Can't believe this is the second to last episode of Being Mary Jane for the season! Picking up from last week, right after Patrick storms out, Paul tells Mary Jane that all of this is necessary, even if they did ambush him. I get why everyone is upset, though. Even though this is a lighter drug, it's still a drug, and for Patrick to relapse into his old ways would be terrible. MJ brings D'Asia to her house that night, and, of course, D'Asia asks about her dad. MJ tells her that Patrick had to work, and D'Asia is happy just spending time over at her aunt's house. D'Asia asks MJ upfront, however, if her dad is back on drugs, but MJ plays it off, saying again that he is just working late.

Six Great Artists I Started Listening To in 2015

What I love about having started this blog, second to featuring the up and coming, is checking out new music from different genres. Before I began working on Spotlight, I was pretty selective about the music that I listened to, focusing on R&B, hip-hop, gospel, and pop. With the widely different music submissions that we get, I was kind of forced to step outside my comfort zone and check out new music from other genres. I branched out into a lot of alternative, folk, blues, and electronic music surprisingly, and even some rock and country!

That being said, I definitely started regularly listening to some great artists this year, one of whom is actually nominated for three Grammys on his debut project! Definitely wanted to share them with you guys. I hope that you like them!

Check them out below!

RECAP: Scream Queens Season 1 Finale ("Dorkus," E12, "The Final Girl(s)," E13)

Last night was the TWO-HOUR season finale of Scream Queens, and it was definitely a crazy ending! A little predictable, at least to me, but I still enjoyed watching it all unfold. Picking up from last week, Pete reveals that he is sort of, kind of the Red Devil, stating that he made a deal with the real Red Devils. Turns out the night the security guard was killed, Pete followed the Red Devil all the way back to the Dollar Scholars' house, and he found out that it was Boone. Boone told him everything about how he was seeking revenge against the Kappas for his mother being left to die, and Pete believe their missions were the same. The only way to bring Chanel and the Kappas down was to bring all the way down....below the ground. Pete is so consumed with bringing down fraternities and sororities, and it's clear that he's just bitter he was rejected by the Dollar Scholars still.

REPORT: Frank Ocean Releasing New Single "White Ferrari" Friday

After having us all anxiously anticipating a new album throughout all of 2015 (that's you too Kanye West and Rihanna), one of R&B's young talented artists Frank Ocean is set to release a new track called "White Ferrari" this Friday!

MUSIC VIDEO: "In The Night" -The Weeknd

After starting the week with seven Grammy nomintations, The Weeknd debuts the visual for his single, "In The Night", off of his new album, Beauty Behind The Madness. Check it out below!

Designer Wasimah Dorn Speaks on Rebranding Custom Line, Cledgy Customs

Back in June, we were able to feature designer Wasimah Dorn on The Spotlight! The designer reached out to us, and opened up about re-branding her custom line, Cledgy Customs, and what buyers can look forward to in 2016!

NEW MUSIC: "#Hashtag"-Torre South

We had the pleasure of featuring singer Torre South on The Spotlight back in May. Now the singer has released a new track, "#Hashtag," featuring rapper Muknee, that you all should check out!

The track, which is the first single from Torre's upcoming album (set to be released next year), is a real sexy, smooth song, as Torre sings of his admiration of a woman he likes and wants to spend the night with. In fact, he incorporates his own specialized hashtags on the track.

Check out "#Hashtag" below!

Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift and The Weeknd Lead 2016 Grammy Nominations

The nominations for the 2016 Grammys have been revealed today! Alicia Keys announced four major nominations on CBS this morning: Best New Artist, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year. Kendrick Lamar lead the pack with 11 nominations, with Taylor Swift and The Weeknd snagging seven nominations each. Of course, the Grammys is so huge that there are many different categories for various genres, so we have a shorter list of some of the major categories for you!

See the list below (all nominations can be seen on the Grammys' website)!

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West Welcome Baby Boy

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's bundle of joy came a little early! The couple welcomed a baby boy early this morning!

Amy Poehler Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Amy Poehler received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Thursday Dec. 3!

Tyra Banks Will Return as Eve in Life-Size Sequel

Eve's back! Tyra Banks has confirmed she will reprise her role as Eve in the upcoming Life-Size sequel.

The model and TV personality confirmed to Variety that she will indeed be taking on the role. "There is no one else that can play Eve but me, thank you very much!" Tyra said to the media outlet. "I'm just joking with you, but yes, I am going to be Eve."

REVIEW: The Wiz Live!

The Wiz Live!, a live remake of the Broadway version of The Wiz, aired on just hours ago on NBC, and EVERYONE is talking about it!

The cast was jam-packed with great talent including Elijah Kelley (Scarecrow), Ne-Yo (Tin Man), David Alan Grier (Cowardly Lion), Queen Latifah (The Wiz), Mary J. Blige (Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West), Uzo Aduba (Glinda, the Good Witch of the South), Amber Riley (Addaperle, the Good Witch of the North), Stephanie Mills (Aunt Em), Common (The Bouncer) and introducing Shanice Williams (Dorothy). Of course, we all know the story. It follows Dorothy who, after getting swept in a tornado, attempts to find the Wiz with new friends to make it back home. She, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion learn a lot about themselves during the journey. Of course, The Wiz has a lot more flavor than the original, and this live version stays true to that.

Of course, we know there were great expectations with this musical, seeing as The Wiz is considered a classic, especially in the black community. However, I watched it as if I was watching it for the very first time, because trying to compare would have sucked the fun out of it. With a star-studded cast, special effects, great choreography and music, vibrant costumes, and the fabulous Cirque du Soleil, The Wiz Live! truly shined. It was an incredible musical to watch at home, perfect for the family, and it left me so moved and inspired!

RECAP: "There Will Be Blood"- The Challenge: Battle of the Bloodlines Season Premiere

MTV is back with a new season of The Challenge, and, this time, it's family business! The Challenge: Battle of the Bloodlines brings together past cast members of The Real World, The Challenge, and Are You The One, along with their family members in Turkey. Definitely great idea to shake things up a little bit for the show. I could tell from this season's trailer, there is going to be A LOT of drama and emotions, and I'll be watching and recapping it all season!

The show's esteemed host, T.J. Lavin, is back as well, and, at the beginning of the episode, he gathers the cast together to discuss the game.  The cast match-ups, by the way, are as follows: Nicole and Nany (cousins), Raphy and Dario (twin brothers), Jenna and Brianna (cousins), Cory and Mitch (cousins), Camila and Larissa (sisters), Cara Maria and Jamie (cousins), Johnny Bananas and Vince (cousins), Leroy and Candice (cousins), KellyAnne and Anthony (cousins), Cohutta and Jill (cousins), Aneesa and Rianna (cousins), Christina and Emily (sisters), Thomas and Stephen (twin brothers), and Tony and Shane (brothers).

NEW MUSIC: "Wherever Wherever"- Singer Donye'a G.

Singer Donye'a G. has released his first single, "Wherever Wherever!"

On the song, Donye'a describes being on a search for the love of his life, while trying to keep whats real and fake into perspective.

Check out the track below!

RECAP: "Wake Up Call"-Being Mary Jane S3, E8

 

Another great episode of Being Mary Jane! Picking up from last week, Mary Jane and her family have a cookout at her house. Patrick excitedly talks to Paul about his work, clearly hopped up on those pills he's been taking. At the table, Niecy mentions possibly getting a car and MJ tells her that she needs to think about saving her money instead. Paul agrees, stating that he will buy her a car. Irritated, Mary Jane tells them that they all need to do better with their finances as a family. She thinks they need to brainstorm ideas about financial security and communal accountability, and literally the entire family walks away from the table. She wasn't lying though! Don't get me wrong. Mary Jane can be judgmental and preachy, but, in my opinion, she has a right to be when it comes to her family. A lot of times, they all end up falling back on her because of the money she makes and it's not a bad idea for them all to really get their finances together, especially Niecy and Patrick.

RECAP: "Black Friday"-Scream Queens S1, E11

Interesting episode of Scream Queens last night. Picking up from last week, the Chanels prep for Black Friday. Chanel loves shopping for cheap gifts for the rest of the sisters, all so she easily manipulate them. She even bribes people to let her in half an hour early to tease other shoppers. This girl is too much. As the ladies try to leave Kappa House to go shopping that night, Dean Munsch stops them. Of course, she plans to call the police since Gigi's head was found on a platter at dinner a few hours before, and wants all of the girls to stay in. Chanel defiantly calls out the Dean for being utterly powerless in stopping the killer, believing that it's because she is the killer herself. She states that, in all the Dean's efforts to shut down the house, Kappa is alive and well, while the university is shut down and the dean's job is in jeopardy. She and the Chanels leave anyway.

In The Spotlight: Electro / R&B Artist Devin Nash

Another spotlight! As always, if you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, poet, etc., and are interested in being featured on The Spotlight, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information! 
Today, we have Electro / R&B artist Devin Nash! This singer started writing little songs and rhymes at a young age with his brother, which jump started his love and passion for music. In high school, he began to take his passion and craft more seriously, and was able to form and be a part of a music group, recording and performing for about eight years. From there, he broke away on his own, moving down to Atlanta to pursue songwriting. He has done some songwriting work for artists like LeCrae and Sisqo, as well as a few contestants from hit singing competition The Voice. 

Demi Lovato, Luke Bryan and More Set to Perform on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve

Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve is definitely going to be amazing this year!

According to PEOPLE, Demi Lovato, Luke Bryan, Wiz Khalifa, and Charlie Puth have joined the lineup for the NYE special. These stars join Carrie Underwood and host Ryan Seacrest for the annual celebration. Definitely going to be a great night for music!

Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve kicks off at 8 p.m. ET Dec. 31 on ABC. Will you be watching?

Image via Cosmopolitan

NEW EP: Seasons-Jordy Searcy

New music for this Tuesday! Going through a bunch of submissions today, so should be posting a few new songs today. If you are interested in a future feature on The Spotlight, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information!

Right now, check out singer Jordy Searcy's new EP, Seasons! The EP comes after Jordy's stint on NBC's The Voice, and definitely shows off his abilities as a vocalist and songwriter. "Seasons is best described as folk-songwriter-pop," Jordy said of the project. "I focus on lyrics a lot, and let the acoustic guitar, groove and lead vocals carry the tracks."

Check out the EP below!