Just a few short weeks after the release of her newest single "Let Me Know," featuring Future, Tamar Braxton has released the official visual for the track!

The sultry video features Tamar in a variety of fly outfits, singing directly to her man! She looks positively stunning in every scene. I love the song, and the video is a classy and simple one. I can't wait to hear more music from her!

Check out the video below, and Let Me Know what you think!

2:51:00 PM

I would designate one day for new music, but I have a lot to share! Right now, I want you to check out R&B singer Brandy Shanice's debut project, Eclection! The album features production from BC of Necronam Beats, O C Thomas, Hall of Fame, and Evil Needle.
Hailing from Houston, Brandy offers up a great first project for listeners!

I love the title "Eclection," for the album because it truly is a collection of diverse sounds and topics. Brandy shares the stories of her past and present vividly on the album. Her vocal talent really does shine, as well as the production. It's a mostly chill album that I could see myself playing as I sat in the house, sipping on wine on relax mode after a long day. It's really cool and smooth like that.

Check out Eclection below!



You can connect with Brandy on Twitter and Instagram, as well as listen to more of her music on SoundCloud and YouTube!

10:37:00 AM

Though The Spotlight is an overall entertainment blog with celebrity news and reviews, I love to feature the up and coming. I get requests now literally from all over the world, and I want to give these talented people their due shine! As always, if you are or know of an upcoming artist, designer, producer, etc looking for a feature, please email me at BrittanyShawnte@gmail.com! 

Today, we have alternative R&B artist Bow Promise! Hailing from the UK, Bow’s creativity and talent within the arts came out as a child. “My mum got me involved in a lot of activities including ballet, drama, modelling, and more,” the singer said. Bow also loved drawing and writing, eventually transitioning from stories to poems and songs. “My first song was influenced by Omar's 'There's Nothing Like This' and the intro to Mya's 'Fear of Flying' album,” Bow stated.

Inspired by artists like Jhene Aiko, The Weeknd, Miguel, and Beyoncé, the artist admits that her musical inspirations are of an eclectic sound, and refuses to become a clone of what’s already out there. Being from the UK, Bow believes that the area is creating great sounds in R&B especially. “The UK has been breeding some amazing sounds that I believe help bring the genre forward,” she said. Speaking of her own sound, Bow acknowledged, “I think this new sound is American but it has the grit and sharpness that the UK can relate to.”

Though she was involved in music for over 10 years, she finally believed that she could have a serious career after graduating from university in 2010. “I studied Music and Arts Management and I was working with my current producer on a management project,” Bow said. “We wrote four songs for an artist but it fell through. {However,] we continued working together and have grown as musicians because of it.”

On her latest track, “Bisous,” Bow worked with her producer Lostchild to develop the song. “He sent me the track and I liked it instantly but didn't like the XO drug reference so I called it ‘Bisous,’ which is French for ‘kisses’,” she said. “Bisous seems like it could be about the intoxicating feeling that comes with falling in love but I would hope anyone who knows scripture might recognize the lyric "I don't rely on my own understanding [hailing from Proverbs 3:5 in the Bible]." Bow continued about the song, saying, “It's really a song for anyone who ever questioned my strength to overcome difficulty, in faith, or to persevere as an artist. I lean not on my own understanding.”


Currently, Bow is working on some new ideas, creating a new video for another track, as well as organizing her own headline show, with the potential to release a video for “Bisous” as well, which would be amazing! In the future, Bow would love to spend her days focused totally on her music career. “I want to be a professional songwriter and an artist with a fan base that feels what I do and takes something positive from it,” she said. “I want to travel and learn new skills. I want to reach Paris, the Netherlands, the US, without a shadow of a doubt!” She continued, “If I'm meant to be a pop star, it's because God needs me to, but I would rather be international on an independent scale. I need the freedom to write what I want, portray what I want and make it my livelihood.”

You can check out more from Bow on her official website, as well as connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Also, listen to more of her music on SoundCloud!

8:59:00 AM

Another interview! As always, if you are or know of any upcoming artists, designers, producers, etc., that would like to be featured on The Spotlight, please email me at BrittanyShawnte@gmail.com!

Today, we have hip hop artist Kenn Retro! Hailing from Chicago, Kenn stated that he grew up in a family with a passion for music. “Me and my cousins, when we were young, used to tour the West Side of Chicago performing Jodeci, Shai, Boyz II Men songs,” the rapper said. As he got older, Kenn continue creating music, switching over to a more “Alternative/Urban” sound. He fell in love with hip hop after first hearing A Tribe Called Quest through his uncle. “In 1999, I was inspired to develop my craft of rhyming with the guidance of my uncle, and he has been pushing me ever since,” Kenn said.


The artist also credits his hometown of Chicago for inspiring him and his music. “Chicago has diverse talent, and I believe [also] a very innovation selection of artists,” Kenn stated. Using his own life experiences in the area in his music, the rapper believes that his lyrics are relatable to everyone and can have a strong influence.

Also inspired by artists like Common, Mos Def, Pearl Jam, and more, Kenn released his debut album, The ID, EGO and SUPEREGO, independently in October 2013. He collaborated with artists Etta Mae and Gabriela Francesca on a few tracks, overall creating a great project that has garnered rave reviews! He hopes that listeners are motivated “to live life and go for yours, but do so consciously.”


Currently, Kenn is working on an EP, as well as a few singles, with a full album to follow, so he’s busy grinding! He believes that his persona is what makes him stand out from other artists, and the way he entertains. “People can connect with me musically because they enjoy and can connect with my personality,” the rapper said. In the future, he wants to be a great entertainer in music, but also venture out into possibly acting as well. “My overall goal is to reinvent myself creatively and capitalize on the Kenn Retro brand and entertainment aspect [globally],” he concluded.

You can connect with Kenn on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, as well as hear more of his music on Reverb Nation and YouTube! Also check out his label’s website, ZobeRecords.com, for more information on him and his other label mates!

9:15:00 AM

Got another spotlight for you all on this wonderful Friday! Expect several within the next few weeks! As always, if you are an upcoming artist, designer, producer, etc., and you are interested in featuring your work on The Spotlight, email me (please allow some time for response)!

Today on the blog, we have G5 Elz! Exposed to music all of his life, the rapper learned and loved the art of rhyming. From Dr. Seuss books to watching rappers like The Notorious BIG, Jay Z and Nas, he quickly caught on to rapping. “By the time I was 8 years old, I began writing my own rhymes in school, preferably math class,” G5 joked. “Then it was always rapping in front of the TV like I was whatever rapper in the video with the remote in my hand.”

Hailing from Queens and living in NYC, G5 Elz recognizes that his environment has had a great deal of influence over his music. “My environment inspires everything because I’m seeing and hearing noises everyday then I incorporate that into my rhymes,” the rapper acknowledged. Though he always knew that creating music was his life’s purpose, he began to take his music seriously after his grandmother passed away in 2011. “I stepped my game up to another level and started molding solid projects, performing, and profiting.”

Currently the rapper has two mixtapes out, The NY Times and Bread and Butter, as well as his most recent EP 2nd Coming which is available on iTunes! Inspired by friendships, rough times, blessings, and his dreams, G5 worked with Keem Bel’air, Shawn Giftz, Halftime, and more on the project. You can also check out his current single “X-Drive” featuring Sv Don , just released on October 2, 2014, below!


G5 Elz is currently working on a new EP called Before Cameras, so definitely be on the lookout for that. In terms of his sound and how he differs from other artists, the rapper said, “I’d say I keep it organic [and] soulful, not trying hop on the trends of what is so-called ‘relevant.’” In the future, he plans to continue to create music, of course, but wants to branch out into various avenues including possibly books, television, movies, sneakers, and clothes, as well as helping kids break into the entertainment industry! I respect the ambition. It’s your life, your rules. You don’t have to stick to just one lane!

You can connect with G5 Elz on Twitter, and hear more of his music on YouTube and Soundcloud!

7:53:00 AM

A little something different for your eardrums right now! Here's is a track from electronic duo Soquelle entitled "Blue Neon." The duo, comprised of Anastasia Gera (vocals, songwriting) & Mark Shvartsman (synthesizers, drum machines, saxophone, guitar), create this chill, futuristic track described by the group as "the late night streets of New York ’70s, the temptation to put the day behind you and saturate within the glow of fluorescent entrance-ways."

Check out the track below!

Soquelle is currently finishing up their debut album produced with Dan the Automator, which is scheduled for release in early 2015. You can hear more from them on SoundCloud, and connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

4:57:00 PM

I'm literally spending this Wednesday night going through music sent to me, so expect several music posts throughout the night(As always, if you are or know of an artist that should be featured on The Spotlight, feel free to email me and we'll chat!). Another track I want y'all to check out is from Brooklyn-based singer Cato! Influenced by legendary artists like The Temptations, Marvin Gaye and Sam Cooke, as well as more contemporary artists like Boyz II Men, Lauryn Hill, and the late great Whitney Houston, Cato has a heart for soul and it's clear in his music!

Released September 3, 2014, Cato's latest song "Watch Me" is an inspirational track for those involved in toxic relationships--romantic or otherwise. Sometimes it's honestly best to let go!



Cato said of the song:

"Watch Me" is a song dedicated to anyone who has had their kindness mistaken for weakness and had someone they love refuse to show them the same love and support in return. It’s about accepting the fact that one-sided relationships can be toxic. We're all responsible for our own lives, so If someone is not willing to give you what you deserve, it’s best to move on and let them watch you as you go after what you really want.

I was in an unhealthy relationship a few years back and creating this song was my way of clearing my head, confronting the situation, and moving forward. I learned that sometimes forward motion is best achieved alone."

I respect any artist that can express true vulnerability in their music. Cato is a great singer, and this song has an awesome message. Check out the track below!



You can learn and hear more about Cato on his official website as well as SoundCloud. You can also connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

4:12:00 PM

Admittedly, I can be selective to who I pay attention to when it comes to the entertainment industry. Doing spotlights on artists outside of my preference has broken that bad habit down a little bit. My little sister was actually the first to tell me about BJ the Chicago Kid, who has actually been around for quite some time I found through my research. However, I never really listened to him until his PR team reached out to me, literally moments ago, and now I definitely want to hear more!

The singer recently dropped a new track called "Good Karma" features his stand out vocals and lyrics, and has a 1920's kind of feel to it. He sings about being the good karma to women out here, who have been going through in their lives. It's a real song of love to the queens out there, and BJ ain't discriminating. We all get love from him. "I hope I reach all of y'all," BJ croons. "Whether in the dorm room or the break room or the radio in your car." It's a feel good song for the ladies, and I'm loving it!

Check out the track below and sound off on how you like it!

You can check out more from BJ on his official website, as well as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

3:49:00 PM

I'm going to have some new music for you all throughout the day, so be on the lookout! The first track I'm featuring is from Canadian singer Tamara Madison! Just a little about Tamara: she hails from Toronto, and began singing at a very young age. Though exposed to a variety of genres by her parents, gospel is what took hold on her the most, as she grew up in church. Inspired by artists like Lauryn Hill and Bob Marley, the singer is steadily making a name for herself in the industry!

Her soulful influence is clear on her latest song "Crumble," featuring rapper Redway, off of her upcoming EP, Relapse: Part 2. This track expresses true vulnerability and anger as the hurt Tamara sings to her ex, wishing him bad luck with future relationships and life in general. I'm sure many other ladies (and maybe some guys too) have been in the same spot! Check out the hot track below!


The song may seem bitter to some, but I think it's a real track. When your heart is broken by someone you love, often times, you want them to fall apart so they can experience some of the same pain that you're feeling. Music is all about expression--the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. I'm definitely feeling this track. Tamara's vocals are on point, and she brings real passion to the song. Be sure to buy the track on Bandcamp, and look out for Relapse: Part 2 coming soon (listen to Relapse: Part 1 here)! You can also connect with Tamara on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!

7:12:00 AM

Oh baby! Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have officially announced that they are expecting their
first child!

Blake announced the news on her website, Preserve, while launching a "Preserve Celebration of Family," celebrating "that special moment at the creation of family. She posted multiple pics of expecting mothers, congratulating them all, and then posting one more picture--a picture of herself cradling her own baby bump! It was a really cute way to announce the pregnancy, and she looks absolutely stunning as always!

She and Ryan have been talking about expanding their family for a while, and I'm sure they will be great parents! Congrats to them!

Image via Eric Lively/Preserve

8:51:00 AM

I had always heard about For Sisters Only (every major city seems to have their own), but never actually went to . However, this year, since the expo fell on my birthday weekend (I turned 24 on October 1!) and I was determined to do something fun, I decided to go with my sister and friends. And I am too glad I went!

Hosted by WPGC 95.5 and held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, For Sisters Only had a lot of great vendors selling jewelry, doing hair and makeup, and so much more, all for the ladies! Y'all know me, though! I was here primarily for the performances! I marched my sister and friends right to the front to the main stage, and basically parked it there the entire day. It was worth it, because I had a GREAT seat to all the action!

Throughout the day, the audience got to hear from various panelists for two subjects: She Means Business" and "Why I Stayed." The former discussed strong business principles for women, and the latter went into how to deal with toxic relationships (romantic, friendly, and family). Panelists included Lil Mo, Torrei Hart, Micheline Bowman, Debbi Morgan, Drea Kelly, Dr. Sherry, and more (You can check out great photos here and well as on my Instagram)! We saw the legendary Debbi Morgan perform an except from her latest one-woman show, Monkey Off My Back, and even had a sexy fitness dance showcase by Drea! All in all, a really great time! I'll be there again next year...hopefully it's close

Check out some hot performances from Diggy Simmons, Syleena Johnson, Raheem DeVaughn, Tamar Braxton, and T.I. below!

Image via WPGC-FM

8:30:00 PM