Tag Archives: R&B

Kehlani Releases New Single “After Hours”

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Kehlani has after hours plans…

The 28-year-old part-Mexican American singer-songwriter and R&B superstar has released her latest single “After Hours,” her first new solo single since 2022.

KehlaniThe new single, produced by Khris Riddick and Alex Goldblatt, sees Kehlani embrace a bouncier, dance-inspired sound as she lets her lover know that she’s tired of beating around the bush — it’s time to make something happen.

Utilizing an expertly-placed sample of Cordel “Scatta” Burrell’s “Coolie Dance Rhythm,” Kehlani makes a persuasive case for spending some extra time with her “After Hours.”

Produced by Pop Wansel of production duo Pop & Oak and featuring contributions from Justin Bieber, Jessie Reyez, Syd, Blxst, Thundercat and Ambré.

Blue Water Road marked the follow-up to 2020’s It Was Good Until It Wasn’t.

Maxwell Among the Headlining Acts for 2024’s Cincinnati Music Festival 

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Maxwell is bringing sumthin’ sumthin’ to Ohio…

The Cincinnati Music Festival has announced the lineup for its 2024 edition, with the 50-year-old half-Puerto Rican artist among the headlining acts.

MaxwellMaxwell, a three-time Grammy winner, is part of a list of headlining acts that includes New Edition, Ne-Yo and Kem.

The annual celebration of classic and contemporary R&B legends and hip-hop superstars will once again take over the home of the Cincinnati Bengals, Paycor Stadium, for two nights next summer.

The first night, July 26, will be headlined by “Sumthin’ Sumthin’” neo soul legend Maxwell, with support from Ne-Yo, Fantasia, October London and Lakeside.

Night two, July 27, will be toplined by New Jack Swing supergroup New Edition — Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, Ronnie DeVoe and Johnny Gill — as well as Kem, SWV, Stokley and another artist to be announced.

In keeping with recent tradition, the jam-packed weekend will kick off with a night (July 25) celebrating hip-hop at the adjacent Andrew J. Brady Music Center, with a lineup to be announced soon.

“We are thrilled with this year’s lineup for the Cincinnati Music Festival presented by P&G,” festival producer Joe Santangelo said in a press release. “This year’s lineup is the most jam-packed R&B lineup we’ve ever had, representing fan favorites across the decades from New Edition to Maxwell to Fantasia, and so many more.”

Tickets for this year’s event are on sale now through the festival office (call (513) 924-0900), and will be available through Ticketmaster beginning Saturday (December 16) at 10:00 am ET.

CMF launched as the Ohio Valley Jazz Festival in 1962 as an all-jazz event and evolved over the year to embrace a wide variety of R&B, soul and pop acts, from Aretha Franklin, Miles Davis and Duke Ellington to Luther Vandross, New Edition, Whitney Houston, Earth Wind and Fire and many others.

Junior H to Make Special Appearance at Rolling Loud California Next March

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Junior H is rolling along…

The 23-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter has been added to the lineup for the sixth installment of Rolling Loud in California.

Junior HRolling Loud California 2024 will take over Hollywood Park Grounds in Inglewood, California, from March 15 to 17, 2024.

Junior H, a Billboard chart-topping regional Mexican artist, will serve as Friday’s special guest.

But he’s not the only Latinx artist set to appear.

Regional Mexican band Fuerza Regida will act as Saturday’s special guest, while award-winning corridos tumbados trailblazer Natanael Cano will serve as Sunday’s special guest.

Led by superstars Nicki Minaj, Lil Uzi Vert and Post Malone, the sprawling list of performers features more than 90 of the biggest and buzziest names across rap, R&B, pop and Latin music.

Presale for Rolling Loud California 2024 begins Thursday, November 16, at 10:00 am PT, and general onsale begins the following day on Friday, November 17, at 10:00 am PT.

Fans can click here to RSVP for first access to tickets — and a chance to win free tickets before they go on sale — right now.

https://twitter.com/RollingLoud/status/1724411942234624368

Carin León Signs Exclusive Global Publishing Agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group

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Carin León has a new worldwide publishing deal…

The 34-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter and Regional Mexican star has signed an exclusive global publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG).

Carin LeonA leading force in the música mexicana genre, the Sonora-born artist has established himself as one of Mexican music’s most versatile and eclectic artists today recording in norteño, banda, R&B and pop.

“There is no doubt, Carin León is one of the most talented artists currently,” Yadira Moreno, UMPG managing director of Mexico and Central America & vp of new business development for Latin America, said in a statement. “He can blend R&B, Folk, Country and Mexican Music easily and gracefully. We are excited to collaborate with Carin and foster his composing career internationally.”

“I feel deeply honored to embark on this creative journey alongside Universal Music Publishing Group. This partnership marks a thrilling new chapter in my career, and I’m eagerly looking forward to expressing my passion and creativity through the art of music,” added Leon.

Since launching his solo career in 2018, León has helped usher a new era for regional Mexican music. With three career entries on the Billboard Hot 100 and 12 on the Hot Latin Songs tally, he scored his first top 10 on the Top Latin Albums chart with Colmillo de Leche, released in May. It was the first studio album released on the singer-songwriter’s own label, Socios Music, which he launched late last year.

Jody Gerson, UMPG chairman and CEO, said: “Carin León’s career is limitless and transcends Música Mexicana. His soulful voice, songwriting, live shows and ambition goes beyond language. I look forward to working with Jorge Juarez and our entire global team to support Carin as he opens doors creatively across musical genres and geographies.”

León joins UMPG’s roster, which includes other regional Mexican powerhouses such as Juan Gabriel, Espinosa Paz, Horacio Palencia, Grupo Firme, Yahritza Y Su Esencia and Ivan Cornejo, among others.

Miguel to Receive “Powerhouse Impact Award” from The National Hispanic Media Coalition

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Miguel is a powerhouse… And he’ll soon have the award to prove it.

The 37-year-old half-Mexican American singer and songwriter, who specializes in contemporary and alternative R&B, will be among the honorees at this year’s Impact Awards Gala on Friday, October 27, at the Vibiana in downtown Los Angeles.

MiguelHosted by Francia Raisa and MJ Acosta-Ruiz, the annual celebration honors the contributions of Latino individuals in creating a more inclusive society. The awards are presented by The National Hispanic Media Coalition.

Miguel will receive the Powerhouse Impact Award.

Miguel has had three top 10 albums on the Billboard 200 — Kaleidoscope Dream, Wildheart and War & Leisure.

He’s also had three top 20 hits on the Billboard Hot 100: “Sure Thing,” “Adorn” and J. Cole’s “Power Trip,” on which he was featured.

At the 2013 Grammy Awards, Miguel teamed with Wiz Khalifa to perform “Adorn,” which won best R&B song.

But he’s not the only Latinx honoree this year…

Eva Logoria is set to receive the Icon Impact Award

One of Variety’s 10 Directors to Watch of 2023, Longoria directed Flamin’ Hot, which told the story of the Mexican-American janitor who claims to have invented Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Longoria was named by People as one of the “Women Changing the World.”

Longoria is also the co-founder of Latino Victory Fund, a movement that seeks to build power in the Latinx community, and Poderistas, a digital lifestyle community that inspires Latinas to leverage their power.

The Impact Awards Gala is just one part of the NHMC’s mission to spotlight the importance of accurate, fair, and positive representation in media.

Here’s the full list of honorees:

Aarón Sánchez – Master Creator Impact Award
Ángel Manuel Soto – Outstanding Film Director Impact Award
Eugenio Derbez – Social Impact Award
Eva Longoria – Icon Impact Award
Gina Torres – Our Voice Impact Award
Jharrel Jerome – Next Generation Impact Award
Jessica Sarowitz – Visionary Impact Award
Julissa Prado – For the People Impact Award
Miguel – Powerhouse Impact Award

Omar Apollo Releases New Single “3 Boys”

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Omar Apollo releases a personal new single…

The 25-year-old Mexican American singer/songwriter and Best New Artist Grammy nominee has released this first single of 2023, “3 Boys.”

On the track, Apollo just can’t seem to let go, despite his best efforts as he attempts to move on from a relationship, but realizes that there will always be more than one in the relationship.

His silky vocals arc perfectly over an aching melody, arriving at a falsetto zenith with the song’s blissful chorus.

“When I first started writing songs I would often write about unrequited love,” says Apollo of the new single. “Eventually I wrote songs about the complexities that come with a relationship. “3 Boys” was my first time writing about something non-monogamous. Having more than one person to talk to. 🧐 I wrote the song on a rainy day in London. I spent most of December there, mostly just because I wanted to get out of America. I ended up going to the studio more than I thought I would. I wrote the song with a friend of mine, Dylan Wiggins. It seemed like we were both in the same mind state for a song like this. The song wrote itself really quickly. I also had my friend Mustafa help me with a few lines after I played it for him.

“3 Boys” comes after Apollo was nominated for Best New Artist at the 2023 Grammy Awards. Apollo released his debut studio album, Ivory, in April 2022.

The record features guest appearances from Daniel Caesar and Kali Uchis, as well as the R&B singer-songwriter’s biggest hit to date, “Evergreen.”

Later in 2022, he released a deluxe version of the album, Ivory (Marfil).

Kehlani to Co-Headline This Year’s ‘Sol Blume’ R&B Festival

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Kehlani is in full blume…

The 27-year-old part-Mexican American singer-songwriter will co-headline this year’s Sol Blume, the Bay Area-based R&B festival.

KehlaniKehlani’s co-headliner will be Brent Faiyaz.

The fourth annual festival will take place at Discovery Park in Sacramento, Calif., on Saturday, April 29, and Sunday, April 30, and brings together emerging and established R&B, hip-hop and soul acts, including Ella Mai, Isaiah Rashad, Joey Bada$$, Mariah the Scientist, Mereba, Jessie Reyez, Pink Sweat$, Chlöe, PinkPantheress, Muni Long, Arin Ray, FLO, Coco Jones, Nao, Jacquees, Mahalia, Marc E. Bassy, Alex Isley, Fana Hues, Thuy, Rini, Destin Conrad and Samaria.

Teyana Taylor is slated as Sol Blume’s very special guest, with the bill detailing “one night only performing ‘The Last Rose Petal 2′” following the artist’s two-part farewell tour by the same name.

Bay Area native Kehlani recently sold out the nearby Oracle Arena in Oakland last fall during her tour in support of her third studio album, Blue Water Road. 

Sol Blume marks both headliners’ return to Sacramento in five-plus years.

Tickets will go on sale for the general public on Monday, January 30, at 10:00 am PT on Sol Blume’s official website.

General admission tickets for the two-day festival cost $200 (not including fees), while VIP tickets cost $400 (not including fees).

Paulo Londra Releases Sophomore Album “Back to the Game”

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Paulo Londra is back in the game…

After releasing a handful of singles throughout the year, the 24-year-old Argentine rapper and singer has officially released his highly anticipated album aptly titled Back to the Game.

Paulo LondraThe 16-track set marks Londra’s first album in three years, following his debut album Homerun (2019), which debuted and peaked at No. 12 on Top Latin Albums.

In his first album, Londra leaned more on his core urban sound using elements of trap, freestyle, dembow, hip-hop and reggaeton. This time around, while he stays true to his essence with a cheeky reggaeton single (“A Veces,” a collaboration with Feid), he also dabbles in punk rock (“Nublado” featuring Travis Barker) and R&B (“Noche de Novela” with Ed Sheeran).

“I’m back,” he wrote on social media. “This is from Paulo to those who’ve always been there, since when I would go to the plaza in Joaco to crossing paths for the second time with Ed Sheeran. As long as one follows their passion, no one can stop you. If you ever felt empty but today you want the people around you to smile or have fun, welcome to the club.”

Earlier this year, Londra officially announced his comeback after forging a new partnership with Warner Music Latin, which marked a new phase for his career.

He marked his grand return to music, dropping one of his punk-rock anthems “Plan A” in March, his first single in three years, with which he previewed the new album and presented a fresh new sound for the artist. Since, he’s released other singles such as “Chance,” “Julieta,” “Party En El Barrio” and “Luces.”

The eclectic, star-studded set also features collaborations with artists like Timbaland, Duki and LIT Killah.

Rosalía Earns Second No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay Chart with “Despechá”

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Rosalía is embracing the tropical sound… And, she’s finding success with it.

The 30-year-old Spanish singer and songwriter, known for her flamenco-urban sound, has secured her second No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart as her latest single, “Despechá,” rises from the runner-up slot to lead the chart dated October 1.

Rosalia“Despechá” rises to the top of the chart just five months after Rosalia scored her first No. 1 through “La Fama,” the two-week champ which features The Weeknd (May 14-dated ranking). The R&B singer-songwriter also collected his first win in his first showing on the list.

“Despechá” leads with 8 million in audience impressions, a 12% gain which makes the Greatest Gainer of the week, earned in the U.S. in the week ending Sept. 25, according to Luminate.

The song outs a pairing from the top: Romeo Santos and Justin Timberlake’s “Sin Fin,” after the song’s one week in charge. It falls to No. 2 with 7.8 million in audience impressions.

Beyond its Tropical Airplay coronation, “Despechá” pushes Rosalía closer to lead on the all-genre Latin Airplay chart, at No. 3, after spending two weeks at No. 5.

Elsewhere, the song makes progress on the multi-metric Hot Latin Songs chart, which blends airplay, digital sales, and streaming data, with a 9-7 move.

Plus, it holds strong at No. 65 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart, after its No. 63 peak (September 17-dated list).

Chiquis Releases New Album “Abeja Reina”

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Chiquis is ready to rule the charts…

The 36-year-old Mexican American singer has released Abeja Reina.

ChiquisChiquis’ new album, not for the faint of heart, discusses topics of love, heartbreak and female empowerment, with lyrics that (warning) can and will sting.

She opens her ultra-personal 18-track set — which includes five interludes — with a bilingual attitude-heavy intro. “There were many that didn’t believe and maybe they’ll never believe. But the difference is that today, I don’t give a f—. And today, I believe in myself. Welcome to the Abeja Reina experience.” That experience she refers to is a roller coaster of emotions as the regional singer narrates her own journey that’s filled with ups and downs. Chiquis is vulnerable yet gutsy. She’s heartbroken but optimistic.

A mostly banda album, her core sound, Chiquis also steps outside her comfort zone experimenting with cumbia, R&B and rap, which showcases her versatility.