New Music: Monica Releases Single & Visual for "Letters"

Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Monica has released her new single "Letters" and accompanying Richard Selvi-directed music video visual which features rapper The Game as her love interest.

Written by Monica, Ciara, Tasha Catour, Alicia Renee Williams, Brian Bates and produced by Tasha Catour & Dana Johnson, "Letters" follows after Monica's Ty Dolla $ign-assisted single "Friends" and set to appear on her upcoming ninth studio album Trenches.

New Music: Melba Moore - "It Seems to Hang On" (Ashford & Simpson Cover)

Tony Award-winning R&B legend Melba Moore shares a fresh, new take on the soul classic "It Seems to Hang On" which was originally written and recorded by the team of Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson in 1978 (the duo's first Billboard R&B chart topper and Top 40 hit as performers).

In a statement about the song, Ms. Moore says:

"I recorded this classic as a way to honor my fans as well as two very special people - Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson - who opened up so many doors of opportunities for me."

RnBJunkieOfficial caught up with Melba Moore recently for an exclusive interview to discuss her upcoming induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame, her latest album Imagine, career longevity and much more. See HERE

RIAA: New Edition Earns Three New Gold, Platinum and Multi-Platinum Singles Certifications

The legendary New Edition earns three new Gold, Platinum and Multi-Platinum singles certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for their singles "Can You Stand the Rain" (2x Platinum), "If It Isn't Love" (Platinum) and "Mr. Telephone Man" (Gold).

On June 20th, Bobby Brown and New Edition celebrated the 35th anniversaries of their pivotal albums Don't Be Cruel and Heart Break respectively.

Hollywood Walk of Fame's Class of 2024: Toni Braxton, Brandy, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Otis Redding & More

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has announced the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2024. Brandy, Toni Braxton, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Otis Redding are among the 31 entertainment professionals who were selected to receive stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Honorees are selected in six categories - recording, motion pictures, television, live theater/live performance, sports entertainment and radio.

Recording:

Brandy Norwood

Glen Ballard

Darius Rucker

Toni Braxton

Def Leppard

Charles Fox

Dr. Dre

Sammy Hagar

Gwen Stefani

Motion Pictures:

Chadwick Boseman (Posthumous)

Michelle Yeoh

Christina Ricci

Chris Pine

Maggie Gyllenhaal

Gal Gadot

Chris Meledandri

Kevin Feige

Television:

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Jim Nantz

Michael Schur

Kerry Washington

Eugene Levy

Mario Lopez

Raúl De Molina & Lili Estefan

Ken Jeong

Live theater/live performance:

Otis Redding (Posthumous)

Jane Krakowski

Sports entertainment:

Carl Weathers

Billie Jean King

Radio:

Angie Martinez

"The committee did an amazing job choosing these very talented people. We can't wait to see each honoree's reaction as they realize that they are becoming a part of Hollywood's history with the unveiling of their star on the world's most famous walkway!" -Ellen K, KOST radio personality and chair of the Walk of Fame selection committee

Dates have not yet been scheduled for these star ceremonies.

New Video: Mýa Releases "It's All About Me (25th Anniversary Remix)"

Grammy Award-winning Superstar Mýa reinvents her 1998 classic "It's All About Me" with a new choreography visual to celebrate the 25th anniversary of her self-titled debut album.

The 2023 version is directed and choreographed by the iconic Brian Friedman, a pioneer and entrepreneur in the dance industry, who has worked with top music artists such as Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, Janet Jackson, Prince, Paula Abdul and more.

This collaboration marks another milestone in their history of successful collaborations, including Mýa's "My Love is like Wo!" music video, Mýa's MTV ICON tribute performance for Janet Jackson, and Mýa's fierce "Whatever Bitch" performance from Pepsi Smash.

"It was a complete full circle moment working with the incredibly dynamic Brian Friedman. We share a history of unforgettable moments, and I couldn’t be more thrilled for our 25th anniversary collaboration! His exceptional talent, musicality, technique, versatility, and expertise in both visual and live performance bring out the absolute best in artists. It was an absolute joy to connect with greatness once again." -Mýa

"I was thrilled to hear from Mýa after so many years and without hesitation jumped on board for this special project! I always love my time with Mýa… as a choreographer the greatest gift you can receive is an artist who is technically trained. Mya’s vocabulary and understanding for movement is so extensive and I had the best time bringing my work to life on her. I hope the fans love this as much as we do!" -Brian Friedman

Mýa recently released the 25th anniversary deluxe edition of her self-titled debut album including the original 12 songs + 6 bonus tracks featuring remixes and sped up versions of her hit singles "It's All About Me" ft. Sisqó and "Movin' On" ft. Silkk the Shocker and a Spanish version to "My First Night with You" available on streaming platforms for the first-time ever.

Raheem DeVaughn Releases New EP "The Summer of Love"

Three-time Grammy nominated and Billboard chart-topping singer-songwriter Raheem DeVaughn has released his new EP entitled The Summer of Love via his independent label imprint New Era Soul Records, in partnership with DMG.

The 12-track project is led by the Jamil Face Johnson-produced single "All Night".

"I wanted to have some fun and be free on this EP, as I have full control of my project as a fully-independent artist this go-round." -Raheem DeVaughn

New Video: Angie Stone Releases Visual for "Love the Feeling"

Multi-Platinum, Award-winning singer-songwriter Angie Stone has released the visual for her fun and season appropriate song "Love the Feeling".

Directed by Charles West, Angie mentions:

"This video was inspired by the infectious nature of two-step dancing and how we express love for one another through movement. Two-step dancing has made its way around the globe and is a sign of happiness and love. My hope is that you'll be inspired to move and step during your home cookouts, house parties, and grown folks' outings."

"Love the Feeling" is included on Angie Stone's recently released 10th solo album Love Language via Conjunction Entertainment/SRG-ILS label imprint.

RnBJunkieOfficial caught up with Angie Stone for an exclusive interview to discuss her latest album. See HERE

Monica Announces Radio Series "MoTalk Radio", Debuts June 24th on Apple Music

Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, actress and entrepreneur Monica has announced her limited radio series MoTalk Radio which will air exclusively on Apple Music's global-live streaming radio station Apple Music Hits.

With mixes curated by DJ Baby Yu, MoTalk Radio will focus on R&B music commentary and insight of the 90's and 00's as well as trending cultural topics and candid interview segments with various personalities.

"MoTalk is an outlet for artists, entertainers, musicians, politicians, athletes, and others to share their story, their way! Being interviewed over the years has given me insight that allows me to tell the story respectfully, our truths are often diluted and distorted for the gain of others. MoTalk brings that to an end and gives creatives back their stories. Discussing hard topics, creating change and highlighting the greats is key for me." -Monica

MoTalk Radio debuts this Saturday, June 24th at 3 pm PT featuring special guest Basketball Hall of Famer & Entrepreneur Shaquille O'Neal; Episode 2 to feature country music star Mickey Guyton airing Saturday, July 1 at 3pm PT.

Angie Stone Interview: New Album "Love Language", New Label, New Look and A Better Point of View

Multi-Platinum Award-winning singer-songwriter Angie Stone has released her anticipated 10th studio album Love Language on all music platforms. The 11-track album features contributions from songwriters/producers Walter Milsap, Candice Nelson and Balewa Muhammad and includes guest appearances from Musiq Soulchild and for the first time, her son, Swayvo Twain.

Love Language was led by the singles "Kiss You", "The Gym" featuring Platinum R&B Superstar Musiq Soulchild and the latest "Good Man" via the Conjunction Entertainment/SRG-Group label imprint.

TERRANCE: The people have been taking notice of your new youthful appearance and healthier approach. Talk about how this all started.

ANGIE STONE: I think that people got so obsessed with the afro. Every year they were requesting the big hair. Now that I've straightened my hair and got a ponytail, people are like, oh my God you look so young. Well, first of all, when you lose weight, you shed years. At the time that I was very heavy, I was on a medicine called Prednisone that caused me to blow up. By the time I came off of the medication, I began to lose the weight and get back down to my normal size. So, what you're seeing now is the Angie Stone before my success. So, what you see is a result of weight loss, youth kicking back in, a different hairdo and so for the first-time people are seeing the real Angie and she looks brand new. I have to tell you it was quite a struggle with the weight, because I was never, ever used to that kind of weight, so when I got sick and had to take steroids, it changed my entire lifestyle. Now what you see is the new and improved Angie which is the Angie before meds, and I have to say that I've gotten nothing but overwhelming response to how beautiful I look, and it is overwhelmingly good for me because this is who I've always been. Its just you guys caught me in a moment where I was out of pocket.

TERRANCE: Your tenth solo album Love Language is out now. Congratulations on that. What inspired this album and how it came together.

ANGIE STONE: Thank you. Well, I cut that album in two weeks. I was pretty done with the music industry, but because people just wanted to hear more Angie Stone and so everybody started comparing it to Mahogany Soul and their favorite album and one thing, it's very hard to duplicate a previous work, so I just went in the mindset of treating it like it's your first record and that's what I did with this album. I worked with some incredible producers and songwriters that really captured the essence of Angie Stone. So, what you hear is a collaboration of some wonderful producers and songwriters along with myself and I think that we have a winning formula. This is also the first time I've been as social media savvy, so I've gotten a hang of it, I think.

TERRANCE: What was the thought process behind your song "The Gym" with Musiq Soulchild?

ANGIE STONE: Well, everything I do that's a success, you notice, is written metaphorically and that song was approached from a metaphoric standpoint. You think about the gyms and working out and comparing a hardworking relationship to that of a hardworking person in the gym trying to lose weight and shed some pounds and skin and get rid of some people that are causing you to be heavily weighed down.

TERRANCE: On "Old Thang Back" you collaborated with your son Swayvo Twain. What was that like?

ANGIE STONE: That was something that he said he could do pretty quickly, and he actually did it in one take and he did a superb job on coming up with that rhyme at the end of it. It was kind of reminiscent of when we did neo-soul originally. It had that vibe on it, so he was a part of the authenticity of that, so I let him do it. 

TERRANCE: Talk about the message behind your latest single "Good Man".

ANGIE STONE: "Good Man" is just what you hear. He's a good man. Every woman should have one and I just think when you have the perfect good man, he makes you feel good, he makes you reach beyond. In other words, there's no wrong that could be done by that man. So, a good man is what we all hope to have one day. It's a Steppers record and has a Chicago vibe. 

TERRANCE: Give us some details about the visual concept for the upcoming video "Good Man" which co-stars actor-singer Terrell Carter.

ANGIE STONE: I recreated a scene of Sparkle where I have on a red dress and my love interest has on a red suit and we're just vibin' and flirtin'. It's a beautiful video.

TERRANCE: Are there any personal favorites or stand-out tracks on the album?

ANGIE STONE: Well, I do have favorites. Obviously, I love "Good Man". The other song that I absolutely love is "All I Need". I think it's a great song. 

TERRANCE: Hip Hop turns 50 this year and with that being said, what does it mean to you and the culture?

ANGIE STONE: Well, I think 50 years of celebrating Hip Hop is definitely an applause to my group Sequence. We have a good solid 50 years in. I think that being the first female rap group to actually come out and have an authentic original rap record is an accomplishment that no one else has been able to top, so for us, it's a legendary moment and we're very grateful that we're not forgotten. So, hats off to everyone involved in Hip Hop, but especially hats off to the group The Sequence.

TERRANCE: Can we expect any upcoming shows, events or tours in support of the Love Language album?

ANGIE STONE: Yes. I have some dates scheduled already. Of course, there's the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop that we're included in. And already there's so many people calling me to book the month of September. I don't have the schedule as of yet, but I can already tell you now that it's filling up pretty quickly.

TERRANCE: With June being Black Music Month, if you could name three albums' people should hear in their lifetimes, what would they be?

ANGIE STONE: They would definitely be Songs In the Key of Life by Stevie Wonder, That's the Way of the World by Earth Wind and Fire and Rapture by Anita Baker.

TERRANCE: Any final words you would like to share with longtime fans, followers and the readers?

ANGIE STONE: I would just like to say thank you from my heart. All the continued support I've gotten over the years. If you're not aware of the new album it's called Love Language. Check it out, listen to it online and see if you want to buy it, but it's a great piece of work.

Follow Angie Stone:

www.theangiestone.com

IG, FB, Twitter: @theangiestone

Raphael Saadiq Revisits Tony! Toni! Toné!: 'Just Me & You' Fall 2023 Tour

The legendary Tony! Toni! Toné! (Raphael Saadiq, D’Wayne Wiggins, Timothy Christian Riley) took to social media to announce their 25-cities Fall 2023 reunion tour Raphael Saadiq Revisits Tony! Toni! Toné: 'Just Me & You'.

"I've always wanted to put my family back together. Playing with the Tonys again is a thank you to the fans, the Super Tonians, for supporting all my musical efforts. Without those who were with us from Day One, where would I be? But the main reason is that my father, Charlie Wiggins, would've wanted it this way - to see me, D’Wayne and Tim playing together again." -Raphael Saadiq

Pre-sale tickets are available now and general public tickets are on sale Friday, June 23rd at 10:00 AM. Visit https://tonytonitone.com/pages/tour for more details.

RIAA: Rihanna's "Anti" Album Is Certified 6x Platinum

Multi Grammy Award-winning Superstar/Entrepreneur, Rihanna's eighth and most recent album Anti has been certified 6x Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Anti (2016) became Rihanna's second chart-topping album on the Billboard Hot 200 Albums chart after Unapologetic (2012) and includes the singles "Work" ft. Drake (No. 1), "Love On the Brain" (No. 5), "Needed Me" (No. 7) and "Kiss It Better".

The BET Awards 2023 Nominations Announced

The nominees for this year's 23rd annual BET Awards were announced.

Nominations were selected by the BET Voting Academy, comprised of an esteemed group of entertainment professionals and influencers in the fields o f music, media, digital marketing, sports journalism, public relations, and creative arts.

The BET Awards 2023 will air live on BET on Sunday, June 25 at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT.

The following is a full list of nominees:

Album of the Year

"Anyways, Life's Great" - GloRilla

"Breezy" - Chris Brown

"God Did" - DJ Khaled

"Her Loss" - Drake & 21 Savage

"Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers"- Kendrick Lamar

"Renaissance" - Beyoncé

"SOS" - Sza

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist

Ari Lennox

Beyoncé

Coco Jones

H.E.R.

Lizzo

Sza

Tems

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist

Blxst

Brent Faiyaz

Burna Boy

Chris Brown

Drake

The Weeknd

Usher

Best Group

City Girls

Drake & 21 Savage

Dvsn

Flo

Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin

Quavo & Takeoff

Wanmor

Best Collaboration

"Big Energy" (remix) - Latto & Mariah Carey feat. DJ Khaled

"Boy's A lLar Pt. 2" - Pinkpantheress & Ice Spice

"Call Me Every Day" - Chris Brown feat. Wizkid

"Can't Stop Won't Stop"- King Combs feat. Kodak Black

"Creepin'" - Metro Boomin, The Weeknd & 21 Savage

"F.N.F. (Let's Go)" - Hitkidd & GloRilla

"Tomorrow 2" - GloRilla & Cardi B

"Wait For U" - Future feat. Drake & Tems

Best Female Hip Hop Artist

Cardi B

Coi Leray

GloRilla

Ice Spice

Latto

Megan Thee Stallion

Nicki Minaj

Best Male Hip Hop Artist

21 Savage

Drake

Future

J. Cole

Jack Harlow

Kendrick Lamar

Lil Baby

Video of the Year

"We (Warm Embrace)" - Chris Brown

"2 Million Up" - Peezy, Jeezy & Real Boston Richey feat. Rob49

"About Damn Time" - Lizzo

"Bad Habit" - Steve Lacy

"First Class" - Jack Harlow

"Kill Bill" - Sza

"Tomorrow 2" - GloRilla & Cardi B

Video Director of the Year

A$AP Rocky for Awge

Benny Boom

Burna Boy

Cole Bennett

Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar

Director X

Teyana "Spike Tey" Taylor

Best New Artist

Ambré

Coco Jones

Doechii

Flo

GloRilla

Ice Spice

Lola Brooke

Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award

"Bless Me" - Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin

"Finished (Live)" - Tamela Mann

"I've Got Joy" - Cece Winans

"Kingdom" - Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin feat. Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore

"New" - Tye Tribbett

"One Moment From Glory" - Yolanda Adams

"The Better Benediction (Pt.2)" - PJ Morton feat. Lisa Knowles-Smith, Le'Andria Johnson, Keke Wyatt, Kierra Sheard & Tasha Cobbs Leonard

Viewer's Choice Award

"About Damn Time" - Lizzo

"Break My Soul" - Beyoncé

"First Class" - Jack Harlow

"Jimmy Cooks" - Drake feat. 21 Savage

"Kill Bill" - Sza

"Last Last" - Burna Boy

"Super Freaky Girl" - Nicki Minaj

"Wait For U" - Future feat. Drake & Tems

Best International Act

Aya Nakamura (France)

Ayra Starr (Nigeria)

Burna Boy (Nigeria)

Central Cee (UK)

Ella Mai (UK)

K.O (South Africa)

L7nnon (Brazil)

Stormzy (UK)

Tiakola (France)

Uncle Waffles (Swaziland)

Viewer's Choice: Best New International Act

Asake (Nigeria)

Camidoh (Ghana)

Flo (UK)

Libianca (Cameroon)

Maureen (France)

MC Ryan SP (Brazil)

Pabi Cooper (South Africa)

Raye (UK)

Werenoi (France)

BET Her

"About Damn Time" - Lizzo

"Boy's A Liar Pt. 2" - Pinkpantheress & Ice Spice

"Break My Soul" - Beyoncé

"Her" - Megan Thee Stallion

"Lift Me Up" from "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" - Rihanna & Ludwig Göransson

"Players" - Coi Leray

"Special" - Lizzo

Best Movie

"Black Panther: Wakanda Forever"

"Creed 3"

"Emancipation"

"Nope"

"The Woman King"

"Till"

"Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody"

Best Actor

Amin Joseph

Brian Tyree Henry

Damson Idris

Daniel Kaluuya

Demetrius 'Lil Meech' Flenory Jr.

Donald Glover

Michael B. Jordan

Best Actress

Angela Bassett

Coco Jones

Janelle James

Janelle Monáe

Keke Palmer

Viola Davis

Zendaya

YoungStars Award

Akira Akbar

Alaya High

Demi Singleton

Genesis Denise

Marsai Martin

Thaddeus J. Mixson

Young Dylan

Sportswoman of the Year Award

Alexis Morris

Allyson Felix

Angel Reese

Candace Parker

Naomi Osaka

Serena Williams

Sha'Carri Richardson

Sportsman of the Year Award

Aaron Judge

Bubba Wallace

Gervonta Davis

Jalen Hurts

LeBron James

Patrick Mahomes

Stephen Curry  

New Album: Janelle Monáe - "The Age of Pleasure" | Announces 26-City North American Tour

Multi Award-winning singer, songwriter and actress Janelle Monáe releases first album in five years The Age of Pleasure.

The 14-track album follows after Monáe's acclaimed 2018 effort Dirty Computers and features collaborations from the iconic Grace Jones, Doechii, Egypt 80, Seun Kuti, CKay, Sister Nancy, Nia Long & Amaarae.

Janelle Monáe is set to embark on The Age of Pleasure 26-city North American tour this Summer/Fall:

Visit https://www.jmonae.com/ for venues and ticket info.

MAJOR. Releases New EP, "The Hope of My Soul" (Dedicated to Love, Mental Wellness and Self-Care)

Grammy nominated and Platinum-selling Soul singer-songwriter MAJOR. aka "Mr. Why I Love You" delivers a new EP entitled The Hope of My Soul, dedicated to love, mental wellness and self-care.

The 6-track EP includes production from notable culture-contributors; Harmony "H Money" Samuels, Teddy P. and Joaquin Bynum.

Written while in the depths of the pandemic, during a time when many battled challenges with mental health. MAJOR. was inspired by a poignant text message from the late Chadwick Boseman. This message prompted the charge for him to be more intentional about amplifying HOPE in Love, Life, & Future.

MAJOR. launched the MAJOR.HOPE Foundation, and released a powerful spoken meditative album series titled MAJOR.HOPE Motivations & Pep Talks which champions the charge for culture to prioritize mental and physical well being.