Rising R&B artist JeRonelle McGhee has released his new track, "Outta My Head" for listeners!
The track, written and produced by JeRonelle, highlights the struggle of moving on from past romantic relationships, something that we can all definitely relate to!
Chicago neo-soul artist and personal friend of mine, K. James, has just released his video for his track, "Koolin.'" The laid back song is off his upcoming debut mixtape, Cuffin' Season.
Truly love being able to share these great upcoming stars with you all, and it's awesome to hear from those of you guys that are becoming fans of their work!
Today, we have UK-based singer/songwriter Yoji! The R&B/pop singer was raised in London with a family of artists. With the support of her family, Yoji began learning how to play piano at the age of 8, but was trying her hand at song writing even before that. “I used to write songs in the playground with my friend and then perform them to everyone in a big showcase,” she said. “They didn’t really make any sense looking back but it was the best part of my day making music in the breaks.”
After moving to the area of Suffolk at 11, Yoji continued piano lessons under teacher Phil Graves, learning classical music as well as jazz. She was inspired so much by the talent and artistry of Alicia Keys as well. “The way she combined piano and voice was sensational and was an example for me and opened up my creativity to start writing songs using the piano as a tool.,” the singer stated. Throughout her time in school, she has continued to write and perform, putting her full focus on music after her graduation.
Yoji is inspired by other artists such as Amy Winehouse, Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill, Stevie Wonder, and Aretha Franklin. "Artists that play the piano and sing are a great demonstration on how to combine the two in performance," she said. "They all invoke emotions within me and they create powerful music." Her debut EP, OceanGovern SunshineRule, was released in 2015 and shows her influences, with Yoji creating a collection of powerful songs relating to love. The title actually reflects the meaning of her name, which is Japanese for "ocean, govern," and "sunshine, rule." Yoji explained, "My mum studied fashion and loved Yohji Yamamoto’s name. My parents took out the letter ‘h’ as they thought that made the name look more feminine." The singer went on to add, "I think the title works well with the meanings and messages in my music as it’s about discovering self-worth, being empowered, using emotions to create something positive and taking control of your own destiny."
One of Yoji's favorite tracks on the project, "I Need More," is an empowering track for women, encouraging them to never settle in love. "I wrote [it] after being let down in a relationship and vowing not to let it happen again," she explained. "My friends have also shared similar experiences and I wanted to write a song to remind us that we don’t need to rely on anyone as we are powerful enough on our own. That’s why in the song I say, ‘I’ll be a fearless knight, fighting for what’s right, I won’t lose sight of my worth.'" The singer added, "In the song the women becomes her own savior and is not the stereo typical damsel in destress waiting for the man to fight for her."
Currently, Yoji is recording songs for her next EP, as well as working on new collaborations with other artists. She also plans to have another tour in the UK this summer to promote OceanGovern SunshineRule!
The artist believes that what sets her apart from the rest of the pack is creating music that will evoke emotions and actually have meaning in other people's lives. "I feel like my music is honest, [and] at times vulnerable because of that," Yoji said. "I aspire to write songs that people can relate to." In the future, she wants to continue to grow with her music, and hopes that more people will hear it. She also wants to create a full album with great musicians contributing to it. "I’d then love to showcase it in a world tour as I love to travel, explore new places and most of all perform on stage!" Yoji added.
After a few hits and misses with his singles since 2013, Mario will finally be releasing his new album "Paradise Cove" soon. The singer has released his latest single, "I Need More" for listeners!
Check out the track below and let us know how you feel about it!
Mario and I
Stay tuned to The Spotlight for more Mario news and music!
The former Murder Inc. crooner, Lloyd returns with a new tune, "Tru!" On the track, the singer speaks on everything that's been going on in his life since we last heard from him. As a fan of his, I'm really excited to hear more new music!
Check out the track below and stay tuned to The Spotlight for more!
To celebrate his birthday today, Chris Brown unveils his new single "Grass Ain't Greener" off of his upcoming album, Heartbreak On A Full Moon!
Check out the track below!
Wishing Chris a happy birthday and can't wait to hear more of what he has in the works. Stay tuned into The Spotlight for more Breezy news and music!
After being out of the spotlight the last couple of months because of an Instagram post made by PettyNext...err I mean PartyNextDoor and a suicide attempt that followed, Kehlani has blessed us with her new song "24/7!" The Tsunami Mob Queen delivers a heartfelt and honest track about her own situation, letting listeners know, "It's OK to not be OK, to dive in your pain." Check out the song below!
New music for you all today! Check out "Adieu" from R&B singer Trina Broussard!
Released under R&B Moguls Entertainment out of Atlanta, the track is about moving from someone, though there's still a lot of love there, but knowing that it's the best move. "You know I love you, it's true," Trina sings. "I bid you adieu." Her sultry vocals stand out on the mid-tempo track, which is reminiscent of the smooth R&B music of the 90s. Really liking this one!
Back in December, we featured electro/R&B artist Devin Nash, a talented singer currently based out of Atlanta. Well now Devin has released his new EP entitled Her!
As we reported previously, the project takes listeners through Devin's journey of love, from the beautiful beginning to the bitter end. It's definitely a vulnerable, soulful project that I think you guys will enjoy.
Singer Dante LyriQ has released his new track, "Touch the Moon," featuring rapper Eddie Vanz!
According to a press release,
"Touch The Moon", is a modern day love song and the 2nd single from VA's own Dante Lyriq's debut project Chasing Shadows. He brings his listeners on an intimate date with the stars & the moon. Singing about the highs of love & lust. Accompanied by a hard hitting bass driven beat & melodies that balance it all out. It also happens to feature a verse from rapper Eddie Vanz.
Hip hop artist Brad Hester has crafted the perfect hit just in time for Valentine's Day! "You're The One" is a great song for hip hop lovers to play for their significant others. Throughout the song, we find the New York native effortlessly singing and rapping on the track, with production byMJ Nichols). Throughout the song, Brad makes it clear to his girl that she is the only one he wants and needs in his life.
Brad will be releasing a variety of promo singles in the next few months, prepping for his debut mixtape due out later this year. Listen to his new single below!
One of my favorite young R&B artists, Mack Wilds (aka Michael from The Wire,), recently released the video for his new single "Love In The 90z" off of his upcoming second album. Inspired by Spike Lee, the visual was shot by famed video director Benny Boom in the same area as Spike's classic film, Do The Right Thing.
Check the video out below!
Looks like Brandy really is getting "back in the swing of things" on all fronts! After the premiere of her new BET series Zoe Ever After, she went on Twitter to announce the release of new music!
Check out Brandy's new track "Beggin' & Pleadin'" below!
The Pop & Oak produced track is the songstress' first offering since her last album, Two Eleven that came out in 2012.The song is already getting praise from Missy Elliott, another artist I'm looking forward to hearing new music from in 2016.
Stay tuned to The Spotlight for more new music, show recaps and news from Brandy!
Hip hop artist Logan has released his latest track, "Without You," featuring singer Tay Walker!
The artist pays honor to the special lady in his life on the track, realizing how much she means to him. "I don't want to go a day without your love...you know what you do to me," Logan, accompanied by Tay, sings.
Jeremih keeps his name and song "Pass Dat" track in rotation by adding The Weeknd for the official remix, which makes for the second Weeknd-featured track this Christmas! The original track is featured on the singer's lastest album Late Nights. Check out the track below and make sure to check out Jeremih's new album if you haven't already!
Future and The Weeknd give back to the fans this Christmas with their new collaboration, "Low Life" over a Metro Boomin' and Ben Billions produced track!
Check out the song below!
After having us all anxiously anticipating a new album throughout all of 2015 (that's you too Kanye West and Rihanna), one of R&B's young talented artists Frank Ocean is set to release a new track called "White Ferrari" this Friday! Both DJ A-Trak (who deleted the tweet) and Odd Future's fan page also tweeted that "White Ferrari" was set to come out this Friday, December 11th. Here's to hoping that we do indeed get a new Frank Ocean track!
Happy Friday y'all! Got another great spotlight to end this work week! As always, if you are an upcoming artist, designer, producer, etc., looking to be featured on The Spotlight, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more info!
Today, we have musical artist Genius! Formerly known as V.I.C. and remembered for his hits, "Get Silly" and "Wobble," Genius discussed his start in music, his name change, and fresh start as an artist!
Check out more below!
Born in Queens, NY, the artist moved to Atlanta, GA, at a young age. With Atlanta being such a huge spot for music, Genius began working on music of his own, constantly in the studio creating. "It got to the point when I really believed in myself, and I just knew what I had was good," he said. Inspired by artists like T.I. and Tyga, the artist began performing at open mics and other venues, and opening for different artists to develop a name for himself. He began to actively pursue a contract with Collipark Music, sending his music out literally every week, though he was rejected many times by the label. "I just kept doing that for years, until the day I put a CD on their desk that I was really, really, really confident about," Genius admitted. That day, he told the executives at Collipark that if they didn't like what he had to offer this time around, he would never come back. That CD, though, landed him a record deal!
Working under the artist name V.I.C. at the time, Genius dropped his debut album, Beast, in August 2008. The album sparked hits "Get Silly" and "Wobble," which many of us know and still dance to! However, due to mismanagement and other business differences, Genius ended that business relationship. He changed his name, and struck out on his own, wanting a new start. "People know you for what you come out with, but they don't really get to know you as an individual," Genius said of being an artist in the industry. "I just wanted a fresh, new start, so that when I come out as Genius, [listeners] don't tie that to my past, and they can accept Genius for all the new forms of art and music that I'm ready to bring forth."
One of Genius' latest tracks, "Murder She Wrote," has been recently released, and was featured on The Spotlightlast month. After receiving the track from his business partner, the artist was inspired to create his own feel to the song, and came out with a pretty dope track! Check it out below!
Currently, Genius is working on his new album Versatility, which will showcase his own versatile musical style, not just hip hop and R&B. "I adapt to all styles," he stated. "I'm not really caged in when it comes to music." Genius also plans to release more singles in the near future as well, as well as expand his new label, Miracle Music.
In the future, Genius wants to thrive as an independent artist and head of his label. "Now that I own my own company, I just desire success for my new brand, success for my label, and my own success, when no man can rob me ever again." Genius is definitely coming back with a new attitude, brand, and focus, and I'm excited to hear more from him!
New music! If you are an upcoming artist looking to submit music, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information (subject to approval).
Today, we have singer Jordan Hush's latest track, "You Owe Me." On the ballad, Jordan opens his heart to his significant other who doesn't appreciate him or his efforts. He's done a lot, but doesn't get the reciprocation in the relationship he deserves. "I shouldn't have to tell you to come home. I shouldn't have to tell you that I'm lonely," he sings. 'It's cool 'cause you gon' miss me when I'm gone. You gon' wish that you wasn't a phony."
Really liking this track! Check out the ballad below!
New music for you all! If you are an artist looking to have your music featured on The Spotlight, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information (subject to approval).
Check out this alternative rock / R&B track from NY artist Hotel! The track, "Fire," was produced by Oh Genius, and features Hotel's singing and rapping talents. I truly loved the track; the song has really great vibes. Plus, I'm getting into a lot more alternative music, and it's always good to hear creative production blending genres.
Happy Friday y'all! Got another great spotlight to end this work week! As always, if you are an upcoming artist, designer, producer, etc., looking to be featured on The Spotlight, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more info! 
New music for you all! If you are an artist looking to have your music featured on The Spotlight, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information (subject to approval). 
