MUSIC VIDEO: "Focus"-Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande has released her latest music video for new track, "Focus!"

The song itself, which is the first single from Ariana's upcoming third album Moonlight, reminds me a tiny bit of "Problem," but I still love it. She brings the sass and confidence on the song and in the video, and breaks out dance moves while donning a purple wig! It's really fun, and I know her fans will love it.

Check out the video below!

RECAP: "Sparrow"- Being Mary Jane S3, E3

Last night's episode of Being Mary Jane was HEAVY! Picking up from last week's season three premiere, the episode starts with Lisa having what seems, at first, like a typical night. She makes herself dinner, takes a shower, before putting on a nice nightgown. In a very calm and weirdly happy manner, though, she slowly takes a bunch of pills with wine, committing suicide! Afterwards, Mary Jane gets a call from David, but ignores him and deletes his number from her phone. He eventually shows up at her house, but she's already at work. Niecy calls MJ asking her to come over, as David tells the Pattersons what happened to Lisa. Niecy ends up telling Mary Jane over the phone, as Helen cries and Paul sits in shock.

That same night, Mary Jane looks through all of the calls she's been ignoring since her accident. She comes across all the ignored calls from Lisa too, including Friday, which I'm assuming, may have been the day (or close to it) that Lisa killed herself.

NEW MUSIC: "Vanilla Cherry"-Raura

Chicago pop singer Raura has released her very first single "Vanilla Cherry!"

The artist was inspired to write the song after her experience in the kitchen as a pastry chef. "Coming in contact with so many provocative flavors will eventually get the best of you," she said of the track. On the sexy, upbeat track, Raura sings, "You can't create me, replicate me...I got the flavors that make you crazy."

Listen to "Vanilla Cherry" below!

MUSIC VIDEO: "I Want You"-The Artizonals feat. JS

Currently going through a bunch of music submissions to be released today and Thursday! I wanted to share this great new music video with y'all!

Grammy-nominated music production group, The Artizonals, which consists of B. Steele, Stereo Lif, and Blue Bailey, have released their music video for "I Want You," which features singer/songwriter JS. JS sings the fun track in the studio with a band, as a special lady watches on!

Check out the video below!

In The Spotlight: Singer/Songwriter & Actress Malynda Hale

Another spotlight to start the week, with more on the way! 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, we have singer/songwriter and actress Malynda Hale! Hailing from Santa Barbara, CA, Malynda got her start singing in church, and also participated in musical theater in school. "Santa Barbara was very eclectic, and I was always exposed to different genres of music," she said of her hometown. Her father was also a musician, so she grew up listening to many of the greats like Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, and Whitney Houston. "I think being exposed to so many different styles did help me to craft my own," said the singer, whose own style is within the pop/soul realm.

MUSIC VIDEO: "Young Mitch"-G5 Elz feat. Keem Bellair

Rapper G5 Elz has released a new music video for his track, "Young Mitch," featuring Keem Bellair!

Directed by Mr.Marshall.Mov, the video and track itself is inspired by the rapper's favorite movie, Paid In Full. The record is the first single from G5 Elz's upcoming mixtape, Northside Punch.

Check out the video below!

Think Like A Man TV Series In The Works

I know there's going to be a lot of people excited and intrigued to hear this news...I know I am! According to Deadline, there is indeed a Think Like A Man television series in the works!

In The Spotlight: Hip Hop Artist L-Dro

Another one! *DJ Khaled voice* 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! 

The next artist we're spotlighting hails from my hometown of Akron, Oh! Hip hop artist L-Dro was inspired by and grew up listening to artists such as Pac, Biggie, Nas, Jay-Z, Scarface, Jadakiss and AZ. These artists, who, in his opinion, were out when rap music was at its most competitive and authentic, influenced him to try out the music he most identified with growing up.

RECAP: "Seven Minutes In Hell"-Scream Queens S1, E6

Can NOT stop watching Scream Queens! I need answers on everything going on with this crazy show! Picking up from last week, the Kappa girls cast their votes for president, and it's a TIE between Chanel and Zayday, becoming co-presidents! Chanel, of course, is upset, and blames Number 5 for not finding a way for her to president.

When Number 3 and Number 5 go to check on her, Chanel reveals she voted for Zayday and wanted her to win, surprisingly. Chanel didn't want to be the boss in the midst of this huge crisis with a killer on the loose, believing that there would be a bigger target on her back to be killed herself. She has a "Chanel Dies Last" plan, and gives Zayday a key to the storage room, seemingly trying to give the Zayday administration a chance, but really wanting to kill her off.

RECAP: Being Mary Jane Season 3 Premiere ("Facing Fears," E1 & "Louie, Louie," E2)

Being Mary Jane is back for a third season, and this is going to be a crazy one! Picking up from last season, last night's two-hour season premiere the Pattersons, Lisa, David, are at the hospital to see about Mary Jane, who was in a terrible accident. Kara is also there, fighting over the phone to protect MJ at SNC and also covering the mirror with paper towels in MJ's hospital room. Mary Jane's face is severely cut and bruised, but she is alive. Another woman named Cecilia (Loretta Devine) was the other driver involved in the accident, but looks to be okay. After Mary Jane gets a CAT scan, she goes off  after seeing David in the hallway, alarming her parents, who try to get an explanation from him. David attempts to tell them that he mistakenly called MJ while he was talking to Lisa about some things in their past. When David refuses to go into detail, Paul punches him!

NEW MUSIC: "Feels Like Only Yesterday"-Mi'das

Got some new music for you all today (be sure to check the blog Tuesdays and Thursdays for new tracks)! Back in June, we featured Mi'das, a great singer/songwriter based in London. Well, the artist is back with a new single "Feels Like Only Yesterday!"


From his upcoming debut album All Inside Your Head, the song features Mi'das' soulful vocals and draws inspiration from Stevie Wonder himself. As you listen, it's like being taken back to the chill vibes of the 70s, which is perfect as the song speaks on the "worry-free innocence of youth," according to a press release sent out by Project Light Agency. The song itself is smooth and easy, perfect for a drive or a day outside. Personally, I'm a very visual person, so I kept picturing myself outside walking and relaxing even as I sit at my desk typing this! It's also a great song for reflecting on the easier days of childhood.

In The Spotlight: Hip-Hop Artist Young Holley

Another spotlight today, with more on the way! 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!

Hailing from the West Side of Detroit, we have rapper Young Holley! He got his start in music after his brother-in- law showed him the movie Krush Groove (Hey Uncle Rush!) when he was a kid. The most memorable scene for him was when LL Cool J rushed into an audition when the auditions were already over. They were trying to kick him out but he was so good when he rapped for them that they signed him on the spot. This had such a great impact on Holley as a child that it became one of his favorite movies and birthed his love of rap. 

MUSIC VIDEO: "Sorry"-Finnli

R&B/soul artist Finnli is back with a new music video for her track, "Sorry!"

Directed by The Last American B-Boy, the video shows Finnli on the streets, struggling to get by. On the song, she sings a tale of regret, genuinely apologizing for the immense hurt and pain caused to another. "Settled into routine, got too comfortable...started looking at you differently" she sings. "Home wasn't my focus or priority. I know it's all my fault." The song itself brings a lot of emotion, and Finnli's vocals shine on the track. The visual, though simple, really does the song justice as well.

Check out the emotional music video below!

RECAP: "Pumpkin Patch"-Scream Queens S1, E5

Another crazy episode of Scream Queens! Picking up from last week, Chanel is finishing up her intense pumpkin match, complete with a corn maze and performances. She's stressing of course, because this needs this to go well in order for her to be reelected president. Chanel lets the other Chanels know that they will all attends as wives of falls presidents, with Chanel herself as Jackie Kennedy. When Number 5 is assigned Mary Todd Lincoln (for her psychopath behavior, according to Chanel), she goes off the deep end, stating  that she's done with Chanel and storms out. However, Number 5 loves riding on Chanel's coattails, so she never actually is bold enough to leave Kappa.

Game of Thrones' Emilia Clarke Named Esquire's 2015 Sexiest Woman Alive

Emilia Clarke, star of Game of Thrones, has been named Esquire's Sexiest Woman Alive for 2015!

In the feature article, the actress sat down with writer Benjamin Markovitz, and discussed her family, start in acting, and how she became and deals with being with the Mother of Dragons.

Check out pictures from the full feature below!

Full List of Nominees for the 2015 American Music Awards

The nominations for the 2015 American Music Awards have officially been announced!

Looking through this list, it's definitely some stiff competition this year. In the Artist of the Year category alone, there are 10 stars nominated including Taylor Swift, Nicki Minaj, One Direction, and Sam Smith!

Check out the list of nominees below, and see if your favorite artists snagged a nom!

In The Spotlight: Musical Artist Genius (Formerly Known As V.I.C.)

Happy Friday y'all! Got another great spotlight to end this work week! As always, if you are an upcoming artist, designer, producer, etc., looking to be featured on The Spotlight, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more info! 

Today, we have musical artist Genius! Formerly known as V.I.C. and remembered for his hits, "Get Silly" and "Wobble," Genius discussed his start in music, his name change, and fresh start as an artist!

Check out more below!

Marvel Announces Ant-Man Sequel

Marvel's successful comedy heist Superhero movie Ant-Man has been officially green lighted for a 2018 sequel. Officially titled Ant-Man & The Wasp, it will hit theaters July 6th, 2018. According to Marvel's official website, the sequel will mark the first Marvel Studios film named after its heroine.

Additionally, Ant-Man’s second adventure will lead to a couple of other films shifting their dates, with Marvel’s Black Panther moving up to February 16, 2018 and Marvel’s Captain Marvel landing on March 8, 2019.

As a fan of pretty much all of the Marvel movies, I'm excited about this next phase of movies! Stay tuned to The Spotlight for all updates!

Power Rangers Movie Casts Pink Ranger

Most 80's babies should be excited to hear a Power Rangers movie is in the works for a 2017 release. To hear that one of the Rangers has been casted is MAJOR news that the movie is moving forward nicely. Actress Naomi Scott has been casted as the Pink Ranger! Naomi was recently seen in the Ridley Scott-directed movie The Martian starring Matt Damon as an astronaut trying to survive and make his way back to Earth.

Wiz Khalifa & Charlie Puth's "See You Again" Hits 1 Billion Views on YouTube

Let's take the time to say congrats to Wiz Khalifa and singer Charlie Puth! I don't care if you're a fan of Wiz or not. His video "See You Again" off of the Fast & Furious 7 soundtrack has reached a BILLION views on YouTube! It also is the first rap video to do that and became the 10th most watched video on YouTube

Big Ups to the Taylor Gang Head Honcho!

NEW MUSIC: "You Owe Me"-Jordan Hush

New music! If you are an upcoming artist looking to submit music, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information (subject to approval). 

Today, we have singer Jordan Hush's latest track, "You Owe Me." On the ballad, Jordan opens his heart to his significant other who doesn't appreciate him or his efforts. He's done a lot, but doesn't get the reciprocation in the relationship he deserves. "I shouldn't have to tell you to come home. I shouldn't have to tell you that I'm lonely," he sings. 'It's cool 'cause you gon' miss me when I'm gone. You gon' wish that you wasn't a phony."

Really liking this track! Check out the ballad below!

RECAP: "Haunted House"-Scream Queens S1, E4

Scream Queens was ABSOLUTELY CRAZY last night! I'm really getting into this show! Picking up from last week, we find that Chanel is obsessed with Halloween, and she uses her own event, "Chanel-o-Ween" to give crazy presents for her fans. We actually see excited Chanel fans recording them receiving their "gifts," including razor apples, dead heads, severed hands, and even a box filled with blood blood. Chanel even delivers one present in person, and she gets a lot of print and social media coverage because of it all.

NEW MUSIC: "Fire"-Hotel (Produced By Oh Genius)

New music for you all! If you are an artist looking to have your music featured on The Spotlight, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information (subject to approval). 

Check out this alternative rock / R&B track from NY artist Hotel! The track, "Fire," was produced by Oh Genius, and features Hotel's singing and rapping talents. I truly loved the track; the song has really great vibes. Plus, I'm getting into a lot more alternative music, and it's always good to hear creative production blending genres.

Check out the track below!

ALBUM REVIEW: Calling All Lovers-Tamar Braxton

Tamar Braxton has released her fourth studio album, Calling All Lovers, today October 2! Though her 2013 release, Love &War, was definitely a good record, the singer came back stronger than ever with this one! Tamar delivered stronger vocals and material, showing us a more vulnerable side as she takes us through the stages of love.

Check out my full review below!

In The Spotlight: Hip Hop Artist Sav

Another spotlight today, with more on the way! 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 hip hop artist Sav! Taking time out of his busy schedule recording his new EP Walk With Me hosted by the well known DJ, Mr. Peter Parker, Sav provided us with a very insightful interview about his start in music, his new projects, and some of his favorite albums in 2015 so far. 

MUSIC VIDEO: "Matrix"-Olivia Gilmore

Starting the week off with a new music video from singer Olivia Gilmore! We featured her song "Matrix," on The Spotlight a while ago, and now the singer has released the official music video for the track!

This ballad reflects pain of infidelity in a relationship, with Olivia having written and produced the song herself! The video does a great job of capturing the emotion of the song.

Check out the video below!

NEW MUSIC: "Everything"-Savoy Ellis feat. K12

Happy Friday everyone! We have some new music for you all to check out. Artists, feel free to go to our Features/Submissions page to send over new music for the blog (subject to approval). 

Savoy Ellis released his track "Everything," featuring hip hop artist K12 last month. On the song, Savoy sings of his love and devotion to his girl, wanting to be everything for her. The track, which is Savoy's first single, a really fun track to dance and vibe to! The LA-based, R&B singer definitely has a hit with this one!

Check it out below!