In The Spotlight: Sherwinn "Dupes" Brice

Another great spotlight for you guys! 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 on the blog!

Today on The Spotlight, we have singer Sherwinn "Dupes" Brice! A few months ago, we featured Dupes' music video for his song "Guilty," on the blog, and are now excited to feature his story! Based in the beautiful island of St. Lucia, the singer did a creative video answering our questions and incorporating his music video as well! First time we've ever had an artist do that...so dope!

Check out the video below!

EP REVIEW: Your Little Trick-Travis Caudle

Last summer, we had the chance to feature Australian pop/rock artist Travis Caudle, and it was great to share his story. Well today (May 27), Travis has released his latest EP, Your Little Trick, globally!

The EP is really upbeat and great to groove to, which is perfect since summer is right around the corner! In addition to just great overall music, Travis offers awesome lyrics that listeners will definitely connect with as they hear the project.

Check out my review below!

NEW MUSIC: "If I Don't Have You"-Tamar Braxton

"If I don't have you...Rocks me to the core. I can't love no more." 

Tamar Braxton has released her new single, "If I Don't Have You!" She gave a little bit of a teaser of the song for her Tamartian friends last week, but now it's available for purchase on iTunes!

On the song, Tamar sings of basically not being able to love or not even function well without her significant other! We've all felt that way, so the song is sure to hit home for a lot of listeners. Per usual, Tamar's vocals are on point, especially as she effortlessly hit those high notes!

I'm going to personally go listen on repeat and be in my feelings...yall listen to the track below!

REPORT: Keira Knightley Welcomes First Child

Congratulations are in order!

Keira Knightley and her husband, James Righton, have welcomed their first child, according to PEOPLE!

Keira kept the pregnancy under wraps for a while, though it was confirmed back in December that she was expecting. She finally opened up a little about her being pregnant while on the red carpet at the Golden Globes in January. “Luckily, I don’t have lipstick. I only have nuts in here. It’s the wonderful thing about being pregnant. You just need to make sure you have snacks. So this is a snack bag,” she told Entertainment Tonight.

No word on whether it is a boy or girl just yet, but I'm sure that info will be forthcoming! Congrats and well wishes to the happy couple and their families!

Image via Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

Meek Mill Denies Engagement to Nicki Minaj

Meek Mill is finally speaking out on the reports of a possible engagement between him and rap star girlfriend Nicki Minaj!

In an interview with Fader (conducted back in April), Meek said that he isn't engaged to Nicki just yet. "It's definitely real," he said. "But it ain't really time to get married yet. We're still learning each other, feeling each other out."

Back in April, Nicki posted a shot of a heart-diamond ring on her ring finger on Instagram, which lead everyone to believe that maybe she and Meek were engaged. This is the first time either of them are speaking out about it.

Did anyone really think that they were engaged, though? I mean, maybe it's just me, but I saw it as a cute little present if anything. I didn't believe that Meek would give her a heart-shaped engagement ring for real. Whether or not they will actually walk down the aisle is still to be determined, but that's their business. I wish them well in their relationship.

Image via Instagram

NEW MUSIC: "Commas [Remix]"-Future Feat. Rick Ross & Big Sean

Future adds more commas to his dollars by adding Rick Ross & Big Sean for the remix!

Check out the track below!

EP REVIEW: Enter-RYLI

Last week, we featured singer RYLI's music video for her sensual track "Tell Me," on The Spotlight! The track is featured on a five-song EP entitled, Enter, which was released on May 18. The project was written and produced by RYLI, along with BLVCKSCOTT, and The Unscripted.

Enter is definitely an appropriate title, as RYLI lets listeners into a bit of her world, and vulnerably expresses her emotions on the modern R&B project.

Check out more of my review below!

In The Spotlight: Mosliano

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones of the veterans and others gone on before us on this Memorial Day....gone but never forgotten!

Starting out the week with another spotlight! Today on The Spotlight, we have rapper Mosliano! Born and raised in the Bronx, he began writing lyrics in the fourth grade. Eventually, the artist moved to the Phillipines in 2007, where he lived until 2010, and began actually recording music there. "A friend of mine asked me if I wanted to record one day," Mosliano stated. "I took him on his offer, and ever since then it's been something that I've wanted to do." In January 2015, the rapper made the decision to leave college to pursue his craft full time.

In The Spotlight: Von Dupree

Happy Friday yall! We have another feature for you all today! As always, if you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, model, etc., and are interested in a spotlight on the blog, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information!

Today, we have hip hop artist Von Dupree! The artist began playing the piano around 12 or 13 years old, participating in various recitals and competitions, and also playing and singing in church. "When I was 18, when I went to North Carolina Central [University], that's when I actually started rapping, when I made my first song," Von Dupree said. "From there, it just kind of took off." The rapper listened to and was inspired by several artists including OutKast, T.I., Slick Rick, and especially Tupac Shakur. "Some people may fall in love with Tupac's thug life, the hard part of his music," Von Dupree said of the late rapper. "[For me,] it was more so the way he talked, the poetic parts. Even when he had his interviews, he was talking about things that people never ever said." He also draws inspirations from other genres like rock, country and pop, determined to never limit himself.

NEW MUSIC: "Go All Night" Hit-Boy Feat. Travi$ Scott

In honor of his birthday and to hold us over until his next album, Hit-Boy releases this new banger "Go All Night" featuring Travi$ Scott. Do yourself a favor and check it out below!

MUSIC VIDEO: "Tell Me"-RYLI

Singer RYLI, signed with Capitol Music Group/Caroline Records, has recently released her music video for the sensual track "Tell Me!" The song, which first premiered on Solange Knowles' SaintHeron.com, is featured on the singer's new EP, Enter released this week (which we'll be reviewing this weekend!).

The visual for "Tell Me" itself is very abstract, and showcases RYLI's sexy and vulnerable side, as she sings of wanting her partner to give her direction in the bedroom!

Check out the sexy video below!

A$AP Rocky Reveals "A.L.L.A." Album Cover & Tracklist

A$AP Rocky is getting ready to drop his second album "A.L.L.A." on June 2nd! In preparation for its release,  he reveals the album cover in honor of fallen A$AP Mob member A$AP Yams and the tracklist featuring the likes of Miguel, Lil' Wayne, Kanye West & A$AP Yams. Check out the album cover & tracklist below!

Rico Love Visits The Breakfast Club

Rico Love sat with The Breakfast Club and spoke on his new album Turn The Lights On, how he crafts and perfects his music, relationship with Young Chris and Tiara Thomas, his Usher and Wiz Khalifa remix, and more. Don’t forget to Turn The Lights On now!

Watch the interview below!

Courtesy of Rap Radar

ALBUM REVIEW: The Gift EP-Monique

British singer, songwriter and producer Monique recently released her EP, The Gift, which has garnered great reviews from Alt Sounds, Urban Development, ILUVLIVE, Guestlist Magazine and the MOBO Awards! 

The EP was inspired by Monique's own pregnancy and her embracing of motherhood (she recently gave birth to a baby boy!). The singer states that the EP “explores the theme of time and moments in a world that moves so fast that we rarely stand in the present. There are moments that bring us face to face with ourselves and others that are willing us to take a look in the mirror. To stop and consider our course or just to simply enjoy, be thankful and content."

Check out more of my review, and stream the EP below!

NEW MUSIC: "Takeover The Throne"-SIR

Cleveland Rapper SIR has been quiet lately working on new music and is ready to release his new project "B.E.IIIXVI (Black Excellence 3.16)" on May 25th...here's the first offering "Takeover The Throne" and be sure to support SIR on May 25th!

NEW MUSIC: "Black Heaven"-Boosie Badazz Feat. J. Cole & Keyshia Cole

Boosie Badazz is about to release his comeback LP Touch Down 2 Cause Hell a week away from today, so he decides to drop one of the most talked about songs "Black Heaven" in anticipation. He connects with Keyshia Cole and J. Cole on the soulful track. Check it out below and cop his new album when it drops next week!

In The Spotlight: Adrena Martin

Another spotlight and more on the way! If you or your client is interested in being featured on the site, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more info. 

Today on The Spotlight, we have jewelry designer Adrena Martin! Originally from Downers Grove, IL, Adrena attended the historically black college Tuskegee University, graduating in 2012. She knew for a long time beforehand that she wanted to become an entrepreneur, though she wasn’t sure exactly what she wanted her business to be at first, but found her calling. “I was always into fashion and was very creative, so I decided to start making jewelry,” Adrena stated. The designer started her custom jewelry line, CreationZ from A Dove, a month before her graduation from Tuskegee. “Initially I started off just making bracelets, since that was the only thing I knew how to make,” she admitted. “[Then] I began to teach myself other jewelry techniques and started making other products.”

Full List of Winners at Billboard Music Awards 2015

The 2015 Billboard Music Awards took place last night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas! Hosted by Ludacris and Chrissy Teigen, the awards had some great and some not so great performances from top celebrities, and a lot of dope fashion! In terms of winners, Taylor Swift (no surprise) swept the show, winning EIGHT BMAs!

Check out the full list of winners below, and let us know what you loved (or hated!) about the show!

NEW MUSIC: "Miss My Dawgs"-Meek Mill Feat. Travi$ Scott & Strap

In the wake of fallen Coke Boys rapper Chinx Drugz and in memory of protege Lil' Snupe, Meek Mill drops an ode to both homies as well as his father featuring Travi$ Scott & Strap. Dreams Worth More Than Money coming soon...R.I.P. Chinx.

In The Spotlight: Milan Rouge

Quite a few features coming for you guys! As always, if you are or represent an up and coming star in the entertainment or fashion industry, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information on a feature!

Today on The Spotlight, we have fashion designer Milan Rouge! Milan admitted that she had a strong taste for fashion since she was a little girl. “Even when I would go to school, I would style my uniforms up so it [wouldn’t] look like the typical uniform,” the designer stated. She thought about taking fashion merchandising in college, but decided on business instead because it was a broader topic. “It was always something that I wanted to pursue,” Milan added. “I just didn’t know the avenue or the extent of what I wanted to do with it.”

MUSIC VIDEO: "Addiction"-Heather Harvin

Singer Heather Harvin has released her new music video for her song "Addiction!"

In the video, Heather sings and reflects on her individual addiction, as she wonders what she's is going to do to get past it. What I love about this song is that its relatable across the board. Your addiction could be drugs, alcohol, a toxic relationship (romantic or otherwise), or something else that you can't seem to get rid of.

"Addiction" is a song that I believe all listeners will definitely be able to connect with in some way. "We've all had our own individual addictions to overcome in life," Heather said. "So I wanted to share my story, lyrically, to show there's always a way up in life!"

Check out the video below!

REPORT: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West Will Renew Wedding Vows

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West reportedly will renew their wedding vows in celebration of their first year anniversary!

According to Us Weekly, the couple will head down the aisle again in Paris later on in the month (they were married on May 24, 2014 in Florence, Italy). According to a source, Kanye has rented out the Eiffel Tower for the ceremony, as well as the 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant. Always doing it big for his lady! It's perfect timing, because the couple will already be in France for this year's Cannes Film Festival.

Too cute and romantic! I really do love them as a couple!

Image via Corbis

MUSIC VIDEO: "4 Sure"-Super Jay

Last year, we were pleased to feature R&B artist Super Jay on The Spotlight! The singer continues to do big things, having recently dropped his visual for new track "4 Sure!"

A good chunk of the video showcases Super Jay seemingly playing a video game, where he is able to physically see (but not touch!) some really gorgeous women! He croons effortlessly to a special girl, "Give me your love, I want to be your only..." With the way he's singing on this track, he means that! I loved the song, as well as the great video editing.

Yall definitely have to watch this one yourselves! Check it out below!

DJ Khaled Visits The Breakfast Club/Premieres New Single

After holding us down last year with his R&B banger, DJ Khaled comes back this time around again with Chris Brown but adding Lil’ Wayne and Big Sean to the mix for his new track “How Many Times?" "I Changed A Lot” coming soon???? Check out his interview with The Breakfast Club and video premiere below...

American Idol Has Officially Been Canceled

After 13 years on the air, American Idol has officially been canceled! According to Us Weekly, FOX made the announcement on Monday, May 11,

"American Idol will begin its 15th -- and final -- season this January on FOX," the network wrote in a release. "A season-long celebratory event, American Idol XV will feature host Ryan Seacrest and judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr., as they search for the final Idol superstar and pay tribute to the past 14 seasons of amazingly talented contestants and the millions of fans who tweeted, texted and championed their Idols."

In The Spotlight: Torre South

A spotlight to start the week! As always, 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.

Today on The Spotlight, we have singer Torre South! With a father as a minister, Torre grew up in the church, but didn’t start singing for a while. “My brother and sister mostly did all the singing, and I kind of stayed in the background,” Torre admitted. Around middle school, he finally began singing a little bit in church and began doing some songwriting for his brother and sister, who often sang together when his father would travel to preach. “They were like BeBe and CeCe Winans,” he joked.

Bow Wow Leaves Cash Money Records

Bow Wow is the latest rapper to cut contractual ties with Cash Money Records. Shad recently announced the split via his Facebook account. The rapper have been signed to the storied Southern rap imprint since 2009 but has yet to drop an album even though he has been frequently plugging his upcoming LP Underrated for years. 

According to Bow, the split was amicable. Clearly lack of support from the label to put out music is a major factor in Bow wanting to leave. This is the same gripe that has been brought up by CMR employees Lil Twist, Tyga and cash cow Lil Wayne in the recent past. This is the third Cash Money artist to jump ship in less than a year. Last July, Busta Rhymes left the label after spending nearly three unproductive years with Baby and Slim. In October, British R&B singer Jay Sean parted ways with CMR after six years with the New Orleans powerhouse, dropping three albums while with the label.

Check out the official announcement below! 

NEW MUSIC: "Post To Be (Remix)"-Omarion Feat. Rick Ross, Trey Songz, Dej Loaf & Ty Dolla $ign

One of my favorite songs, Omarion's "Post To Be"  gets the remix treatment, this time upping the ante with Dej Loaf, Trey Songz, Ty Dolla $ign & the boss Ricky Ross! I can only imagine what Trigga is going to say! Check it out below!

MUSIC VIDEO: "On My Own"-Latrell James

Check out Boston rapper Latrell James, who recently released his visual for his latest track "On My Own."


Produced by Latrell's brother Tedd Boyd, the song and video is dark, but offers Latrell's own insight into the sacrifices and trials that go into being an artist and creating new work. The visual, directed by Downlow Productions, solely focuses on Latrell as he raps and reflects on his journey.

Check out the video below!

NEW MUSIC: "Reason"-Eva Celia

New music for you all to start the week! Listen to Indonesian singer Eva Celia's new track "Reason!"

Eva composed the track entirely by herself and it was released independently on April 27, 2015. "The song is about a journey of someone in search of him/herself," she said. The track hit Top 10 on the Indonesian iTunes chart less then 12 hours after its release and is currently #1 on R&B/Soul iTunes Chart for the country! "Reason" is a precursor to Eva's debut album which will be released in September 2015.

Check out a teaser of the song below!

Photos of DC Comics Suicide Squad Movie

Director of the "Suicide Squad" movie, David Ayer posted this picture earlier today to his Twitter account. Check out the line up below!

NEW MUSIC: "Coffee [F***ing]" - Miguel Feat. Wale

Miguel's been real low key since the release of Kaleidoscope Dream but returns today with an updated version of his new single "Coffee [F**king]." He previewed the song a couple months ago but it now features a verse from Wale!

Check it out below and look for Miguel's Wildheart album to be released sometime this year.

Kate Middleton Gives Birth to Second Child!

After a long wait, Kate Middleton and Prince William's second Royal Baby has arrived!

According to E! Online, the Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to a baby girl, Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, (ahhh a little princess!) at St. Mary's Hospital in London on Saturday morning! Kensington Palace announced: "Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a daughter at 8:34 a.m." Very weird wording but we get it!

William and Kate's daughter is fourth in line to the British throne, behind Prince Charles, William and big brother Prince George of Cambridge.

We will be updating this post as more info comes out!

Image via Glamour

In The Spotlight: Abigail Lordson-Banini

So glad to be featuring all of these great stars on the rise! As always, if you are or represent an
upcoming artist, designer, producer, etc., visit our Features/Submissions page for more information on how to be featured.

Today, we have designer Abigail Lordson-Banini! Abigail spent the first 15 years of her life in Accra, Ghana, where she watched her grandmother sew her own clothes. “I remember, when I was 11, my mom got me my very first sewing machine,” she reminisced. “Funny enough, I was only allowed to use it once.” The designer moved to the United States in February 2009, and began sketching female figures in gowns after taking an art class in high school (one of the sketches eventually became her prom dress!). Though she enjoyed sketching, at that point in time, she was determined to pursue accounting as a career. However, she soon grew frustrated with her accounting classes as well as a bad relationship, and began creating necklace and earring sets for herself and friends as a stress reliever. “The guy I was dating back then said to me, ‘Why are you pursuing accounting when you can pursue a career in fashion?’”Abigail said. “I did not take it seriously until people started asking me where I got my earrings from.”