Today on The Spotlight, we have singer Sherwinn "Dupes" Brice! A few months ago, we featured Dupes' music video for his song "Guilty," on the blog, and are now excited to feature his story! Based in the beautiful island of St. Lucia, the singer did a creative video answering our questions and incorporating his music video as well! First time we've ever had an artist do that...so dope!
Check out the video below!
Dupes has also released a new single, "Seasons," featuring Olivia Abraham! According to the singer's SoundCloud, the song "tells the story of two hopeless romantics as they come to grips with their strained relationship." Check out the song below!
You can learn more about Dupes on his official website, as well as connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube!
Last summer, we had the chance to feature Australian pop/rock artist Travis Caudle, and it was great to share his story. Well today (May 27), Travis has released his latest EP, Your Little Trick, globally!
The EP is really upbeat and great to groove to, which is perfect since summer is right around the corner! In addition to just great overall music, Travis offers awesome lyrics that listeners will definitely connect with as they hear the project.
Check out my review below!
The uptempo "Outta My Head" starts the project on a high, with a catchy hook that's bound to have you humming and singing along (trust me on that!). Travis' mind is super focused on other things, and he often blocks out outside circumstances and people, which he sings about on the upbeat track. "There's so much I got doin', even more that's brewing," he sings. You can really feel great, high energy on this track, which is good to hear right from the start on an EP. The inspirational "Something's Gotta Happen" keeps that energy going! In my mind, I called this "The Get-Your-Life-Together track," because this is the exact speech that you may find yourself giving to others (or yourself) when it comes to making positive changes in life. You can either stay asleep and remain stagnant, or you can make a move and make something happen! This is definitely one of my favorites on the EP.
We get a bigger taste of Travis' vulnerability on tracks "Wide Open" and"Back To You," which I really enjoyed. The touching ballad "Heart and Soul," is another track that's bound to move listeners, as the singer encourages us all to let go and move towards our deepest passions. "If you could just let go of everythin’ you know, I wonder what it would do," Travis croons. "To have all your dreams come true, And get to the heart and soul of you." The mid-tempo "Never Quite Enough" ends the six-track EP, as Travis contemplates the mundane motions of life at time, hoping that one day he is able to free his mind and get to a better place. I know I've been there.
Stream the EP below!
I LOVED this project. There is definitely great music, as the project has a nice pop/rock mix with a touch of country (yeah I peeped it, and I loved that too!). He doesn't give you a project filled with all ballads, or all upbeat, energetic tracks. It's a great balance. However, the lyrical content Travis brings to the table is what really makes the project stand out. His reflective messages on each song is what makes Your Little Trick so appealing. It's really a great listen that I encourage you guys to check out!
RATING: ★★★★★ (Five stars)
You can purchase the EP on iTunes now! Also, check out more from Travis on his official website, as well as YouTube and SoundCloud. You can also connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
Tamar Braxton has released her new single, "If I Don't Have You!" She gave a little bit of a teaser of the song for her Tamartian friends last week, but now it's available for purchase on iTunes!
On the song, Tamar sings of basically not being able to love or not even function well without her significant other! We've all felt that way, so the song is sure to hit home for a lot of listeners. Per usual, Tamar's vocals are on point, especially as she effortlessly hit those high notes!
I'm going to personally go listen on repeat and be in my feelings...yall listen to the track below!
What do you think of Tamar's new single?
Congratulations are in order!
Keira Knightley and her husband, James Righton, have welcomed their first child, according to PEOPLE!
Keira kept the pregnancy under wraps for a while, though it was confirmed back in December that she was expecting. She finally opened up a little about her being pregnant while on the red carpet at the Golden Globes in January. “Luckily, I don’t have lipstick. I only have nuts in here. It’s the wonderful thing about being pregnant. You just need to make sure you have snacks. So this is a snack bag,” she told Entertainment Tonight.
No word on whether it is a boy or girl just yet, but I'm sure that info will be forthcoming! Congrats and well wishes to the happy couple and their families!
Image via Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
In an interview with Fader (conducted back in April), Meek said that he isn't engaged to Nicki just yet. "It's definitely real," he said. "But it ain't really time to get married yet. We're still learning each other, feeling each other out."
Back in April, Nicki posted a shot of a heart-diamond ring on her ring finger on Instagram, which lead everyone to believe that maybe she and Meek were engaged. This is the first time either of them are speaking out about it.
Did anyone really think that they were engaged, though? I mean, maybe it's just me, but I saw it as a cute little present if anything. I didn't believe that Meek would give her a heart-shaped engagement ring for real. Whether or not they will actually walk down the aisle is still to be determined, but that's their business. I wish them well in their relationship.
Image via Instagram
Enter is definitely an appropriate title, as RYLI lets listeners into a bit of her world, and vulnerably expresses her emotions on the modern R&B project.
Check out more of my review below!
Enter begins with the dark into, "Fallen Soul," which is short but has impact, drawing you into wanting to hear more of the project. The sexy "Tell Me" is the standout track of the EP. RYLI really opens up, telling her partner to give her clear instructions on what she needs to do to satisfy him in the bedroom!
The mid-tempo "Hold Up," featuring BLVCKSCOTT, RYLI tells her partner to not rush the process in their relationship. "Heartbreaker" slows things down, and this is where you hear RYLI the best, and where we get another sense of her vulnerability, though not in the same way as "Tell Me." She opens up about her deep feelings for another, but he constantly keeps her waiting for a real response. The project ends up on a fun note with the upbeat "Lights Camera Action," where RYLI sings of her rise in the industry. She's steadily been working to get to the top, and she doesn't plan to stop!
Check out the EP in full below!
As a whole, Enter is a cool project to listen to. I really enjoyed the production, and liked the overall chill vibe of the EP. My main issue, though, is that sometimes RYLI's own voice gets drowned out. The lyrics can get lost at times as well from lack of enunciation. However, she has some great, catchy material on there, as well as vivid imagery and storytelling, especially with "Tell Me" and "Heartbreaker." RYLI is certainly on her way, and I look forward to her dropping more material with her debut album, Fear, dropping next month!
RATING: ★★★½ (Three and a half stars)
You can listen to more of RYLI's music on SoundCloud, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram! Also, let us know what you thought of the project below!
RATING: ★★★½ (Three and a half stars)
You can listen to more of RYLI's music on SoundCloud, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram! Also, let us know what you thought of the project below!
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones of the veterans and others gone on before us on this Memorial Day....gone but never forgotten!
Starting out the week with another spotlight! Today on The Spotlight, we have rapper Mosliano! Born and raised in the Bronx, he began writing lyrics in the fourth grade. Eventually, the artist moved to the Phillipines in 2007, where he lived until 2010, and began actually recording music there. "A friend of mine asked me if I wanted to record one day," Mosliano stated. "I took him on his offer, and ever since then it's been something that I've wanted to do." In January 2015, the rapper made the decision to leave college to pursue his craft full time.
Growing up, Mosliano listened to artists like the Diplomats, the Heatmakerz, Jay-Z, and Kanye West, who were all able to use old school samples creatively in their music, which is part of what you hear in Mosliano's sound as well. "It may not be in the same vein as how they did it back then," he said. "But it’s just something about the feeling you get when you hear certain samples flipped a certain way that does something to me." In addition to these artists, Mosliano is also inspired by Wale, Drake Static Major, and The-Dream, who have all had a heavy impact on his music and business ventures.
Currently, the artist is working on his project, Moments. Though he is still thinking about whether it will be an EP or mixtape, he doesn't want to get caught up in titles or anything. "I’m just working on a great body of work for people to enjoy," he admitted. "I’m also trying to do a 10-15 minute short film to go along with the project, so we’ll see how that plays out."
Mosliano feels like there are several things that separates him from other artists, from his work ethic to his songwriting to his catchy flow. "We live in an era where instant gratification is at an all time high. Majority of the audience has a short attention span," the artist said of the current state of the industry. "They want whats new, what’s hot, what’s catchy. I feel that I have replay value. Not only am I blending melodies with raps, but I am also playing with different flows." The artist prides himself greatly on his songwriting and his flow. In terms of his future in the entertainment industry, Mosliano kept it simple. "I just want to take this as far as I can take it," the artist admitted. "I refuse to limit myself to just music. I want to create."
You can check out more of Mosliano's music on SoundCloud, and also follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat (@Mosliano)!
Happy Friday yall! We have another feature for you all today! As always, if you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, model, etc., and are interested in a spotlight on the blog, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information!
Today, we have hip hop artist Von Dupree! The artist began playing the piano around 12 or 13 years old, participating in various recitals and competitions, and also playing and singing in church. "When I was 18, when I went to North Carolina Central [University], that's when I actually started rapping, when I made my first song," Von Dupree said. "From there, it just kind of took off." The rapper listened to and was inspired by several artists including OutKast, T.I., Slick Rick, and especially Tupac Shakur. "Some people may fall in love with Tupac's thug life, the hard part of his music," Von Dupree said of the late rapper. "[For me,] it was more so the way he talked, the poetic parts. Even when he had his interviews, he was talking about things that people never ever said." He also draws inspirations from other genres like rock, country and pop, determined to never limit himself.
Von Dupree released his first mixtape, By God I Am, back in 2010. Putting in hard work and releasing several mixtapes over the next few years after, the rapper is still going strong, having released his most recent mixtape, HIStory in September 2014 (buy it on iTunes now!). "I was really thinking on the music, you know, God's story for me," he said of the title. "From there, I just hit every aspect from that point of view." Having formed his own label three years ago, Dupree Fam Productions, Von Dupree has signed other artists Rio and Unc, who were both featured on the mixtape as well. He also worked with engineer Chaka Harley and a few other producers to develop the project. Check it out below!
Not too long after the release of HIStory, the rapper was signed to Famous Records under Universal Music Group. "My management sent my music and information over to the label," he said. "At the beginning of January [2015], they had emailed back and said that they were interested and wanted to distribute my music." Von Dupree made his deal official on February 17, and released two singles with the next month, "Don't Cha" and "I'm Alive."
Currently, Von Dupree is working on developing and releasing new music for the summer. "I have so much music that's been done between the release of my last mixtape [HIStory] and the single that just came out," the rapper admitted. He'll also be releasing new music videos so be on the lookout for that! He also has a comedy TV show that he wrote that has gotten picked up as well.
In terms of what sets him apart from other artists, Von Dupree believes his content is what makes him stand out. "My content is not being told right now, especially on the [mainstream] platform," the artist stated. "I have different styles, so whether you listen to straight R&B or you listen to pop artists, I'm going to be able to speak to you." In the future, Von Dupree wants his music to have a serious impact. "It's amazed me how you can affect somebody [with music]," he said. "It's bigger than awards. My goal with my music is to change the world."
You can check out more from Von Dupree on his official website, and hear more of his music on SoundCloud, ReverbNation, and YouTube. You can also follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
Singer RYLI, signed with Capitol Music Group/Caroline Records, has recently released her music video for the sensual track "Tell Me!" The song, which first premiered on Solange Knowles' SaintHeron.com, is featured on the singer's new EP, Enter released this week (which we'll be reviewing this weekend!).
The visual for "Tell Me" itself is very abstract, and showcases RYLI's sexy and vulnerable side, as she sings of wanting her partner to give her direction in the bedroom!
Check out the sexy video below!
You can listen to more of RYLI's music on SoundCloud, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram!
Image via Chris Pitts
A$AP Rocky is getting ready to drop his second album "A.L.L.A." on June 2nd! In preparation for its release, he reveals the album cover in honor of fallen A$AP Mob member A$AP Yams and the tracklist featuring the likes of Miguel, Lil' Wayne, Kanye West & A$AP Yams. Check out the album cover & tracklist below!
1. Holy Ghost (feat. Joe Fox)
2. Canal St. (feat. Bones)
3. Fine Whine (feat. M.I.A., Future & Joe Fox)
4. L$D
5. Excuse Me
6. JD
7. Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2
8. Electric Body (feat. Schoolboy Q)
9. Jukebox Joints (feat. Kanye West & Joe Fox)
10. Max B (feat. Joe Fox)
11. Pharsyde (feat. Joe Fox)
12. Wavybone (feat. Juicy J & UGK)
13. Westside Highway (feat. James Fauntleroy)
14. Better Things
15. M’$ (feat. Lil Wayne)
16. Dreams (interlude)
17. Everyday (feat. Rod Stewart & Miguel)
18. Back Home (feat. Mos Def, Acyde & Yams)
Rico Love sat with The Breakfast Club and spoke on his new album Turn The Lights On, how he crafts and perfects his music, relationship with Young Chris and Tiara Thomas, his Usher and Wiz Khalifa remix, and more. Don’t forget to Turn The Lights On now!
British singer, songwriter and producer Monique recently released her EP, The Gift, which has garnered great reviews from Alt Sounds, Urban Development, ILUVLIVE, Guestlist Magazine and the MOBO Awards! The EP was inspired by Monique's own pregnancy and her embracing of motherhood (she recently gave birth to a baby boy!). The singer states that the EP “explores the theme of time and moments in a world that moves so fast that we rarely stand in the present. There are moments that bring us face to face with ourselves and others that are willing us to take a look in the mirror. To stop and consider our course or just to simply enjoy, be thankful and content."
Check out more of my review, and stream the EP below!
Though only 18 minutes, The Gift takes listeners through Monique's own personal journey of self-acceptance. On the project, the singer goes through the ups and downs of love, abuse, and the reminder to be grateful for each day. If you listen, it really is a life story filled with ups and downs, ultimately finding a great happiness.
The beautiful and mellow “Forever With You” starts the EP, honoring a timeless love that Monique promises her soul to. “You have my soul for a lifetime, a few minutes just won’t do. Give me forever, forever with you,” she sings. The mid-tempo “Wanna Be Where You Are” recounts Monique missing her love, who is working to make life better for them both. The EP takes a dark turn with the ballad “Doing Time” as Monique reflects on an abusive relationship. “Like a whisper in the wind, no one heard a thing,” Monique sings of the troubles hidden behind close doors. On “Nothing’s Certain But The Past,” however, she is determined to make a change and not let her past affect her present and future any longer. By the end of the EP, Monique is in a much better place as she opens up about her optimistic views on the title track, "The Gift." She reflects on her present, stressing to listeners the importance of enjoying and being grateful for today!
This is truly a great project with beautiful music from beginning to end. Monique’s soulful vocals drawn you in from the very start and keeps your attention throughout. It's a very mellow, smooth, and well-written project that you will definitely enjoy!
RATING: ★★★★½ (Four and a half stars)
You can purchase The Gift on iTunes now and stream the EP below!
Check out more about Monique on her official website! You can also follow the singer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Cleveland Rapper SIR has been quiet lately working on new music and is ready to release his new project "B.E.IIIXVI (Black Excellence 3.16)" on May 25th...here's the first offering "Takeover The Throne" and be sure to support SIR on May 25th!
SIR - Takeover the Throne
Visual Direction: George Sarkes and Sir EvansProject: B.E.IIIXVI
Available: May 25, 2015
www.SIRrealLife.com
Boosie Badazz is about to release his comeback LP Touch Down 2 Cause Hell a week away from today, so he decides to drop one of the most talked about songs "Black Heaven" in anticipation. He connects with Keyshia Cole and J. Cole on the soulful track. Check it out below and cop his new album when it drops next week!
Another spotlight and more on the way! If you or your client is interested in being featured on the site, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more info.
Today on The Spotlight, we have jewelry designer Adrena Martin! Originally from Downers Grove, IL, Adrena attended the historically black college Tuskegee University, graduating in 2012. She knew for a long time beforehand that she wanted to become an entrepreneur, though she wasn’t sure exactly what she wanted her business to be at first, but found her calling. “I was always into fashion and was very creative, so I decided to start making jewelry,” Adrena stated. The designer started her custom jewelry line, CreationZ from A Dove, a month before her graduation from Tuskegee. “Initially I started off just making bracelets, since that was the only thing I knew how to make,” she admitted. “[Then] I began to teach myself other jewelry techniques and started making other products.”
Creationz From A Dove offers beautiful, hand-crafted bracelets, earrings, and other accessories that customers are sure to love! The name of the business actually incorporates her membership in the sorority Zeta Phi Beta, which uses a dove as their symbol. “It played a big part in making me the person I am today, and I also made a lot of memories and lifelong friends during college as a part of Zeta Phi Beta,” Adrena said. “So I wanted to make sure that was represented in my brand along with my creativity.” Adrena is inspired by Betsey Johnson and her creativity in designing accessories, but also draws inspiration from everyday life. “Just being outside or walking in the mall can give me inspiration for my next piece,” the designer acknowledged.
In terms of what separates CreationZ From A Dove from other lines, Adrena notes the fact that her pieces are handmade and very unique. “You will never find my pieces from any other designer, unless of course they purchased it from me,” she said. “I enjoy working with buttons and gold chain especially, just because there are so many different things you can create with them.”
Adrena has various ventures coming soon and big ideas for the the future! Currently, the designer is working on her own clothing line, as well as working towards opening her own boutique. She is working on a book, and also wants to own a food truck. She also aspires to begin a foundation to assist with funding and educating upcoming entrepreneurs like herself. “Entrepreneurship education was something I did not have in school,” Adrena admitted. “ I would love to ensure that other people like myself have the opportunity to various resources to help them be successful.” She advised entrepreneurs to do their research on beginning a business, and be prepared to make sacrifices. “Entrepreneurship, like a lot of other things in life, is hard and is not for everybody,” the designer stated. “You have to be willing to adjust your lifestyle for a short term, to live a lifestyle that many wish they had in the long term.” Very wise words!
You can learn more about Adrena on her official website, and purchase great products from CreationZ From A Dove now! You can also follow Adrena on Instagram, and follow the official Facebook and Instagram pages for CreationZ From A Dove as well.
The 2015 Billboard Music Awards took place last night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas! Hosted by Ludacris and Chrissy Teigen, the awards had some great and some not so great performances from top celebrities, and a lot of dope fashion! In terms of winners, Taylor Swift (no surprise) swept the show, winning EIGHT BMAs!
Check out the full list of winners below, and let us know what you loved (or hated!) about the show!
TOP ARTIST
Ariana Grande
One Direction
Katy Perry
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift -- WINNER
One Direction
Katy Perry
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift -- WINNER
TOP COUNTRY ARTIST
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Florida Georgia Line -- WINNER
Brantley Gilbert
Blake Shelton
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Florida Georgia Line -- WINNER
Brantley Gilbert
Blake Shelton
BILLBOARD CHART ACHIEVEMENT AWARD PRESENTED BY SAMSUNG GALAXY (FAN-VOTED)
Iggy Azalea
Taylor Swift -- WINNER
Meghan Trainor
Iggy Azalea
Taylor Swift -- WINNER
Meghan Trainor
TOP TOURING ARTIST
Lady Gaga
One Direction -- WINNER
Katy Perry
The Rolling Stones
Justin Timberlake
Lady Gaga
One Direction -- WINNER
Katy Perry
The Rolling Stones
Justin Timberlake
TOP FEMALE ARTIST
Iggy Azalea
Ariana Grande
Katy Perry
Taylor Swift -- WINNER
Meghan Trainor
Iggy Azalea
Ariana Grande
Katy Perry
Taylor Swift -- WINNER
Meghan Trainor
TOP RADIO SONG
John Legend, "All of Me" -- WINNER
MAGIC!, "Rude"
Nico & Vinz, "Am I Wrong"
Sam Smith, "Stay With Me"
Pharrell Williams, "Happy
John Legend, "All of Me" -- WINNER
MAGIC!, "Rude"
Nico & Vinz, "Am I Wrong"
Sam Smith, "Stay With Me"
Pharrell Williams, "Happy
TOP MALE ARTIST
Drake
Pharrell Williams
Ed Sheeran
Sam Smith -- WINNER
Justin Timberlake
Drake
Pharrell Williams
Ed Sheeran
Sam Smith -- WINNER
Justin Timberlake
TOP RAP SONG
Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX, "Fancy" -- WINNER
Iggy Azalea feat. Rita Ora, "Black Widow"
Big Sean feat. E-40, "I Don't F--- With You"
Nicki Minaj, "Anaconda"
Bobby Shmurda, "Hot Boy"
Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX, "Fancy" -- WINNER
Iggy Azalea feat. Rita Ora, "Black Widow"
Big Sean feat. E-40, "I Don't F--- With You"
Nicki Minaj, "Anaconda"
Bobby Shmurda, "Hot Boy"
TOP BILLBOARD 200 ALBUM
Maroon 5, V
Pentatonix, That's Christmas to Me
Ed Sheeran, x
Sam Smith, In the Lonely Hour
Taylor Swift, 1989 -- WINNER
Maroon 5, V
Pentatonix, That's Christmas to Me
Ed Sheeran, x
Sam Smith, In the Lonely Hour
Taylor Swift, 1989 -- WINNER
TOP DUO/GROUP
5 Seconds of Summer
Florida Georgia Line
MAGIC!
Maroon 5
One Direction -- WINNER
5 Seconds of Summer
Florida Georgia Line
MAGIC!
Maroon 5
One Direction -- WINNER
TOP BILLBOARD 200 ARTIST
One Direction
Pentatonix
Ed Sheeran
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift -- WINNER
One Direction
Pentatonix
Ed Sheeran
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift -- WINNER
TOP HOT 100 ARTIST
Iggy Azalea
Ariana Grande
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift -- WINNER
Meghan Trainor
Iggy Azalea
Ariana Grande
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift -- WINNER
Meghan Trainor
TOP DIGITAL SONGS ARTIST
Iggy Azalea
Ed Sheeran
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift -- WINNER
Meghan Trainor
Iggy Azalea
Ed Sheeran
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift -- WINNER
Meghan Trainor
TOP RADIO SONGS ARTIST
John Legend
Maroon 5
Ed Sheeran
Sam Smith -- WINNER
Taylor Swift
John Legend
Maroon 5
Ed Sheeran
Sam Smith -- WINNER
Taylor Swift
TOP SOCIAL ARTIST
Justin Bieber -- WINNER
Miley Cyrus
Selena Gomez
Ariana Grande
Taylor Swift
Justin Bieber -- WINNER
Miley Cyrus
Selena Gomez
Ariana Grande
Taylor Swift
TOP STREAMING ARTIST
Iggy Azalea -- WINNER
Ariana Grande
Nicki Minaj
Taylor Swift
Meghan Trainor
Iggy Azalea -- WINNER
Ariana Grande
Nicki Minaj
Taylor Swift
Meghan Trainor
TOP R&B ARTIST
Beyoncé
Chris Brown
John Legend
Trey Songz
Pharrell Williams -- WINNER
Beyoncé
Chris Brown
John Legend
Trey Songz
Pharrell Williams -- WINNER
TOP RAP ARTIST
Iggy Azalea -- WINNER
J. Cole
Drake
Nicki Minaj
Rae Sremmurd
Iggy Azalea -- WINNER
J. Cole
Drake
Nicki Minaj
Rae Sremmurd
TOP ROCK ARTIST
Bastille
Coldplay
Fall Out Boy
Hozier -- WINNER
Lorde
Bastille
Coldplay
Fall Out Boy
Hozier -- WINNER
Lorde
TOP LATIN ARTIST
J Balvin
Juan Gabriel
Enrique Iglesias
Prince Royce
Romeo Santos -- WINNER
J Balvin
Juan Gabriel
Enrique Iglesias
Prince Royce
Romeo Santos -- WINNER
TOP DANCE/ELECTRONIC ARTIST
Avicii
Clean Bandit
Disclosure
Calvin Harris -- WINNER
Lindsey Stirling
Avicii
Clean Bandit
Disclosure
Calvin Harris -- WINNER
Lindsey Stirling
TOP CHRISTIAN ARTIST
Casting Crowns
Hillsong United -- WINNER
Lecrae
MercyMe
Newsboys
Casting Crowns
Hillsong United -- WINNER
Lecrae
MercyMe
Newsboys
TOP SOUNDTRACK
The Fault in Our Stars
Fifty Shades of Grey
Frozen -- WINNER
Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix: Vol. 1
Into the Woods
The Fault in Our Stars
Fifty Shades of Grey
Frozen -- WINNER
Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix: Vol. 1
Into the Woods
TOP R&B ALBUM
Beyoncé, Beyoncé
Chris Brown, X
Michael Jackson, Xscape
John Legend, Love in the Future
Pharrell Williams, G I R L -- WINNER
Beyoncé, Beyoncé
Chris Brown, X
Michael Jackson, Xscape
John Legend, Love in the Future
Pharrell Williams, G I R L -- WINNER
TOP RAP ALBUM
J. Cole, 2014 Forest Hills Drive -- WINNER
Drake, If You're Reading This It's Too Late
Nicki Minaj, The Pinkprint
Iggy Azalea, The New Classic
Eminem, The Marshall Mathers LP 2
J. Cole, 2014 Forest Hills Drive -- WINNER
Drake, If You're Reading This It's Too Late
Nicki Minaj, The Pinkprint
Iggy Azalea, The New Classic
Eminem, The Marshall Mathers LP 2
TOP COUNTRY ALBUM
Jason Aldean, Old Boots, New Dirt -- WINNER
Garth Brooks, Man Against Machine
Luke Bryan, Crash My Party
Brantley Gilbert, Just As I Am
Miranda Lambert, Platinum
Jason Aldean, Old Boots, New Dirt -- WINNER
Garth Brooks, Man Against Machine
Luke Bryan, Crash My Party
Brantley Gilbert, Just As I Am
Miranda Lambert, Platinum
TOP ROCK ALBUM
AC/DC, Rock or Bust
The Black Keys, Turn Blue
Coldplay, Ghost Stories -- WINNER
Hozier, Hozier
Lorde, Pure Heroine
AC/DC, Rock or Bust
The Black Keys, Turn Blue
Coldplay, Ghost Stories -- WINNER
Hozier, Hozier
Lorde, Pure Heroine
TOP LATIN ALBUM
Juan Gabriel, Los Dúo
Enrique Iglesias, Sex and Love -- WINNER
Romeo Santos, Formula: Vol. 2
Santana, Corazon
Marc Anthony, 3.0
Juan Gabriel, Los Dúo
Enrique Iglesias, Sex and Love -- WINNER
Romeo Santos, Formula: Vol. 2
Santana, Corazon
Marc Anthony, 3.0
TOP DANCE/ELECTRONIC ALBUM
Avicii, True
Disclosure, Settle
Calvin Harris, Motion
Skrillex, Recess
Lindsey Stirling, Shatter Me -- WINNER
Avicii, True
Disclosure, Settle
Calvin Harris, Motion
Skrillex, Recess
Lindsey Stirling, Shatter Me -- WINNER
TOP CHRISTIAN ALBUM
Lecrae, Anomaly -- WINNER
Casting Crowns, Thrive
MercyMe, Welcome to the New
NEEDTOBREATHE, Rivers in the Wasteland
Chris Tomlin, Love Ran Red
Lecrae, Anomaly -- WINNER
Casting Crowns, Thrive
MercyMe, Welcome to the New
NEEDTOBREATHE, Rivers in the Wasteland
Chris Tomlin, Love Ran Red
TOP HOT 100 SONG
Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX, "Fancy"
John Legend, "All of Me"
Sam Smith, "Stay With Me"
Taylor Swift, "Shake It Off"
Meghan Trainor, "All About That Bass"
Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX, "Fancy"
John Legend, "All of Me"
Sam Smith, "Stay With Me"
Taylor Swift, "Shake It Off"
Meghan Trainor, "All About That Bass"
TOP DIGITAL SONG
Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars, "Uptown Funk!"
Sam Smith, "Stay With Me"
Taylor Swift, "Shake It Off"
Meghan Trainor, "All About That Bass" -- WINNER
Pharrell Williams, "Happy
Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars, "Uptown Funk!"
Sam Smith, "Stay With Me"
Taylor Swift, "Shake It Off"
Meghan Trainor, "All About That Bass" -- WINNER
Pharrell Williams, "Happy
TOP STREAMING SONG (AUDIO)
Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX, "Fancy"
Hozier, "Take Me to Church"
John Legend, "All of Me" -- WINNER
Sam Smith, "Stay With Me"
Tove Lo, "Habits (Stay High)"
Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX, "Fancy"
Hozier, "Take Me to Church"
John Legend, "All of Me" -- WINNER
Sam Smith, "Stay With Me"
Tove Lo, "Habits (Stay High)"
TOP STREAMING SONG (VIDEO)
Idina Menzel, "Let It Go"
Bobby Shmurda, "Hot Boy"
Taylor Swift, "Blank Space"
Taylor Swift, "Shake It Off" -- WINNER
Meghan Trainor, "All About That Bass"
Idina Menzel, "Let It Go"
Bobby Shmurda, "Hot Boy"
Taylor Swift, "Blank Space"
Taylor Swift, "Shake It Off" -- WINNER
Meghan Trainor, "All About That Bass"
TOP R&B SONG
Chris Brown feat. Lil Wayne, French Montana, Too $hort & Tyga, "Loyal"
Jason Derulo feat. 2 Chainz, "Talk Dirty"
Jeremih feat. YG, "Don't Tell 'Em"
John Legend, "All of Me"
Pharrell Williams, "Happy" -- WINNER
Chris Brown feat. Lil Wayne, French Montana, Too $hort & Tyga, "Loyal"
Jason Derulo feat. 2 Chainz, "Talk Dirty"
Jeremih feat. YG, "Don't Tell 'Em"
John Legend, "All of Me"
Pharrell Williams, "Happy" -- WINNER
TOP COUNTRY SONG
Jason Aldean, "Burnin' It Down" -- WINNER
Luke Bryan, "Play It Again"
Sam Hunt, "Leave the Night On"
Florida Georgia Line feat. Luke Bryan, "This Is How We Roll"
Florida Georgia Line, "Dirt"
Jason Aldean, "Burnin' It Down" -- WINNER
Luke Bryan, "Play It Again"
Sam Hunt, "Leave the Night On"
Florida Georgia Line feat. Luke Bryan, "This Is How We Roll"
Florida Georgia Line, "Dirt"
TOP ROCK SONG
Bastille, "Pompeii"
Coldplay, "A Sky Full of Stars"
Fall Out Boy, "Centuries"
Hozier, "Take Me to Church" -- WINNER
Paramore, "Ain't It Fun"
Bastille, "Pompeii"
Coldplay, "A Sky Full of Stars"
Fall Out Boy, "Centuries"
Hozier, "Take Me to Church" -- WINNER
Paramore, "Ain't It Fun"
TOP LATIN SONG
J Balvin feat. Farruko, "6 AM"
Enrique Iglesias feat. Descemer Bueno & Gente de Zona, "Bailando" -- WINNER
Romeo Santos, "Eres Mía"
Romeo Santos feat. Drake, "Odio"
Romeo Santos, "Propuesta Indecente"
J Balvin feat. Farruko, "6 AM"
Enrique Iglesias feat. Descemer Bueno & Gente de Zona, "Bailando" -- WINNER
Romeo Santos, "Eres Mía"
Romeo Santos feat. Drake, "Odio"
Romeo Santos, "Propuesta Indecente"
TOP DANCE/ELECTRONIC SONG
Clean Bandit feat. Jess Glynne, "Rather Be"
Disclosure feat. Sam Smith, "Latch"
DJ Snake & Lil Jon, "Turn Down For What" -- WINNER
Ariana Grande feat. Zedd, "Break Free"
Calvin Harris, "Summer"
Clean Bandit feat. Jess Glynne, "Rather Be"
Disclosure feat. Sam Smith, "Latch"
DJ Snake & Lil Jon, "Turn Down For What" -- WINNER
Ariana Grande feat. Zedd, "Break Free"
Calvin Harris, "Summer"
TOP CHRISTIAN SONG
Francesca Battistelli, "He Knows My Name"
Hillsong United, "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)"
MercyMe, "Greater"
Newsboys, "We Believe"
Carrie Underwood, "Something in the Water" -- WINNER
Image via Billboard
Francesca Battistelli, "He Knows My Name"
Hillsong United, "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)"
MercyMe, "Greater"
Newsboys, "We Believe"
Carrie Underwood, "Something in the Water" -- WINNER
Image via Billboard
Today on The Spotlight, we have fashion designer Milan Rouge! Milan admitted that she had a strong taste for fashion since she was a little girl. “Even when I would go to school, I would style my uniforms up so it [wouldn’t] look like the typical uniform,” the designer stated. She thought about taking fashion merchandising in college, but decided on business instead because it was a broader topic. “It was always something that I wanted to pursue,” Milan added. “I just didn’t know the avenue or the extent of what I wanted to do with it.”
In 2012, Milan was let go from her job. She had started blogging a few months before, and began focusing on that. Inspired by other bloggers with their own brands, she stopped looking for a job and began creating her own opportunity. “I learned to create what I wanted to be a part of,” the designer said. She created her own unisex streetwear apparel brand, Milano Di Rouge, which has been drawn major support, even from celebrities like Angela Simmons, Chris Bosh, Keyshia Cole and more! “A lot of the things that I do make, I make so you can style them up or you can dress them down,” Milan said of her work.Recently, Milan held a fashion showcase in Philadelphia, entitled The High Road, sharing her 2015 Spring/Summer collection with attendees! Check out a video from the showcase below (courtesy of The Daily Grind Radio Show).
In addition to Milano Di Rouge, the designer is planning out her Safe Sex Saves Lives campaign. She got the ball rolling on the idea back in December 2014. “I was trying to do something with my brand, to use my voice and my platform to make a difference,” she said. “HIV is something that you can prevent. If we can use our voice to make a difference and raise awareness, then let’s do that. ” Milan and her team have been able to connect with several people stricken with this disease, and plan to make their campaign ongoing throughout the year, instead of just during one specific month. “I’m trying to get it implemented in different schools across the city [of Philadelphia],” Milan stated. I personally commended her for this, because safe sex promotion and HIV/AIDS awareness is something that should be going on all year round, not just a specific day or month!
Milan focuses on herself and building her own brand, but also supports other brands as well. “I don’t really look at the competition as competition. I just look at them as another person trying to make it,” she admitted. “Maybe the difference between me and them is [that] I’m so passionate and I’m so focused on my brand that I don’t really notice other things, but I do salute hard work.” She also focuses on quality work and good customer service for her clientele, and it definitely shows!
In the future, Milan obviously wants to continue to grow the Milano Di Rouge brand and do more designs for the line. She also wants to help other entrepreneurs build their brands as well, hosting seminars, workshops, etc. The designer dropped some great gems, advising future entrepreneurs to work building something that make you happy “Money isn’t what makes you happy,” Milan stated. “With this, comes a lot of stressful, sad nights, a lot of times when you want to give up. If you’re just in it for the money, it may not work for you.” She also urges entrepreneurs to make their own opportunity, producing something that you wish you saw out. “Create what you want to be a part of,” Milan said again. “And always stay true to you.”
Check out the official Milano Di Rouge website to shop the collection! You can follow Milan on her personal Twitter and Instagram, and Milano Di Rouge on Twitter and Instagram as well!
