My Gift To You: Give & Receive Love On Christmas Day

How I love the Holiday season. So much love is in the air. Children are happy, Parents share joy and we do it for the love of Jesus Christ. That’s right people, Christmas is not about what new toy you get or which one has the biggest price tag. Nor is it about whose decorations shine the brightest. It’s a celebration!

My favorite part of the holiday season is the music. I love This Christmas by Donny Hathaway and Someday At Christmas by Stevie Wonder. I love hearing newer artists cover holiday greats. Not only does it show homage to the original but it allows them to make it their own. One song in particular that has been revisited by some great artists is Give Love On Christmas Day. From The Jackson 5 to Ledisi, some of my favorite artists have covered this song. I’ve included links to all of my favorite renditions of this beautiful song.

What’s Your Favorite Holiday Song?

I Love Maxwell’s “Love You”

This weekend was pretty cool. Saturday I helped out and attended a friends Partylite party. Thanks to Partylite, I’ve finished over half of my Christmas shopping. I won’t say what I got but let’s just say I cleaned up. For real.

Despite saving hundreds of dollars by getting stuff on sale, that was not the highlight of my weekend. While in Vernesia’s car (my friend), she kept playing this song over and over again. Since I’m not one to hate on someone putting a song on repeat, I listened to without asking her to play another song. In fact, I encouraged her to put it on repeat. Next thing I know, I’m singing along and I am falling in love with this song. What’s the name, you ask? The song was “Love You” by Maxwell.

I’ve had Maxwell’s album for a while now and although I put all of my music in rotation on iTunes, nothing has made get the warm fuzzies lately….until now. When I tell you that I fell hard for this song, I’m being modest. It reminds me of a song on one of his previous albums and that is a good thing. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that he sings this at the Grammy’s but if he doesn’t, that’s their loss because I have it on repeat. And the lyrics….let’s not forget the lyrics:

“I can be anything you want me to be
I just wanna love you
Show you exactly what you mean to me
Honey let me love you”

I’ll let you hear for yourself. If you’ve heard it before, listen again. If this is your first time listening to it, tell me what you think.

Jaheim’s New Single, “Ain’t Leavin Without You”

The Voice of R&B has returned with his new single “Ain’t Leavin Without You” From the NEW Album in stores FEBRUARY 2010!

There’s something about a Jaheim song that just oozes soulful. As someone many consider the “urban” version of Luther Vandross, Jaheim is definitely underrated. Produced by: Kaygee for Divine Mill Productions, “Ain’t Leavin Without You” contains elements of the recording and composition “Help Is On The Way” written by James Stanley Carter; published by James Carr Music (BMI) and performed by The Whatnauts.

Listen & Tell Me What You Think

‘Who Knew’ Kevon Edmonds Sounded So Good

Babyface is credited as being the break out performer in his family but as an artist, I prefer Kevon Edmonds. He may not be as well known but if you love music the way I love music, then you are familar with his 1999 release 24/7. That album was great!! Gem after gem, that album was on repeat as I fell asleep nightly.

Well Kevon is back with his new album Who Knew marks his return to sharing his artistic talents with his fans. From singing, songwriting and producing he does it all.
His new album drops tomorrow but in the meantime listen to his new single “OH” and tell me what you think.

New Video: Melanie Fiona, “If It Kills”

This week new artists with new videos have been on FIRE from the fun yet spunky “Dollhouse” from Priscilla Renea and the sultry and raw “If It Kills” from Melanie Fiona, new female artists are making noise.  From my first time speaking to Melanie Fiona, it was obvious that she had something special to offer the world of music.  It’s about time we heard from some new and upcoming voices. I like the Beyonces, Alicia Keys, and Ciara’s but we NEED variety. We NEED other artists to rock the boat and Jazmine Sullivan and Chrisette Michele cannot do it alone.
I’m really excited about both of these artists.  Check out Melanie’s newest vid, “If It Kills” and tell me what you think. 

New Video: “Stronger” by Mary J. Blige

The title track, “Stronger”, which is also the lead single from the soundtrack to the basketball documentary “More Than a Game“, was originally supposed to double as the album’s official second single.

New Video: “Higher” by Razah

Artist: Razah

Title: Higher

Label: Unsigned

Album: Razah (No Release Date)

Producer: Rykeyz

Artist Website

New Video: “Sky’s The Limit” by Sammie

“Sky’s the Limit” is listed in “Swag & B Volume 1″ mixtape which is Sammie’s collaborative project with DJ Holiday.  Sammie is also in the middle of crafting new materials for his next studio album titled “Coming of Age”.

Rhythmic Discovery: Does Tyler Woods “Prove” Himself

I’ll admit when I first heard Tyler Wood’s single “Prove Myself” I had mixed feelings.  While I love the soulful twang, something about the song was a little awkward.  This morning while watching BET J, another one of his singles came on “Slow Jams”.  I have to admit I am feeling this much more but listening to the second single prompted me to listen to the first single again, and all I can say is some things are better the second time around because now I’m feeling both.  Produced by 9th Wonder, Tyler’s song are original and for that I can truly appreciate what he has to offer, so today’s Rhythmic Discovery is dedicated to Tyler Woods. 

As an added bonus here are both of his videos and by telling me what you think, you have a chance to win a brand new copy of of Ledisi’s new album, Turn Me Loose.  Good luck!

Prove Myself

Slow Jams

‘The Answer To Why’ Ledisi ‘Turns It Loose’

If you’re like me, you may have been a tad bit slow to get Ledisi’s new album, Turn Me Loose.  However, shame on you if you haven’t gotten it yet.  In this video Ledisi states, “that’s the whole point about this album, to be free, totally turn it up” when describing what many consider her best piece of work.  Working with various producers and writers like Raphael Saadiq, Rex Rideout, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and others has definitely worked in her favor as she tried new sounds in a non restrictive nature.  After watching this video, I advise that you run out and get this album.  It’s a gem and so refreshing.