Kim Burrell’s Story (@KimBurrellLove)

Houston, Texas-based singer and pianist Kim Burrell calls what she does “jazz gospel,” and her ability to write a good portion of the material she records and performs makes her a rarity in the gospel field. To say she started performing early would be an understatement, since she took her first vocal solo with a church choir when she was only one-year-old.

The daughter of a pastor and an evangelist singer, Burrell began her professional career with Rev. James Cleveland’s Gospel Music Workshop Choir, Trinity Temple Full Gospel Mass Choir of Dallas, and the Inspirational Sounds Mass Choir of Houston. Her recording debut came in 1995 with the release of Try Me Again on Pearl Records. The buzz around the release led to her signing with Tommy Boy Gospel, which released a second solo project, the Asaph Alexander Ward-produced Everlasting Life in 1998. Live in Concert followed in 2001, also on Tommy Boy. Unfortunately, the label folded a year later and she was briefly signed to Elektra Records but only recorded a handful of guest spots for the imprint, although she continued to make frequent live appearances.

In 2004 she made an unlikely guest turn on R. Kelly‘s “3-Way Phone Call” and sang with funkster George Clinton on his 2008 album, George Clinton and His Gangsters of Love. She has shared the stage with gospel artists Shirley Caesar, Donnie McClurkin, Karen Clark-Sheard, Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin, and Marvin Winans, among others, and has worked in the secular side of things with Missy Elliot, Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, and Harry Connick, Jr., to name just a few.

She released her first new studio album in 11 years, No Ways Tired, in 2009 on Shanachie Records. Another new studio effort, The Love Album, appeared from Shanachie two years later in 2011 and fared well on the Billboard charts, netting Burrell a Grammy nomination. Following 2015’s From a Different Place, Burrell teamed up with R&B star Pharrell Williams for the song “I See a Victory,” which was featured in the 2016 film Hidden Figures.

Ras Shiloh Added To Reggae Splash In The Bahamas

On Saturday, May 13, veteran reggae artist Ras Shiloh will join Luciano, Capleton, I-Wayne, Jah Hem and Qadamawe Nyne at Reggae Splash in The Bahamas.

The show will be held on the grounds of the popular Galaxy Lounge – 14 Oak Street – in Freeport. Hosted by Giggy Fyah and Steelie Chin, Reggae Splash will also feature Fyah City, Mad Bull, Ruff Roots, EJ The DJ and Mighty Warrior. Tickets can be purchased at the venue.

Tripple sSs Music Drops New Dancehall Compilation “Fast Cash Riddim” (@EgDaGovenaw)

Exactly two years ago – in April, 2021 – dancehall artist and producer, E.G. Da Govenaw, began construction on his own Tripple sSs Recording Studio. While the work was being done, he also announced that he would be launching a music label; a decision made in support of his spontaneous creativity.

Fast forward to 2023, and the Guyanese deejay who resides in New York is now sharing the first project from the imprint. The newly released record is called Fast Cash Riddim. It went live on all streaming platforms at the end of March (on the 27th to be exact) via the aforementioned Tripple sSs Music. The feel-good modern dancehall beat was composed by E.G. who proudly stated: “this is indeed the 1st production on my own label Tripple sSs Music. The label is named after my girls Semeira, Soriyia and Seniaa. Tripple sSs Studio and Govenaw Productions will bring alot of that 90s Era back to the dancehall scene in 2023 and beyond.”

The compilation features: Karizzma, Alabama, Artist Dukes, Diamond Stone, Terrorupness, Alabama, Simeon Browne, Gad I King, c4 Real1, and of course E.G. Da Govenaw“It was a process that took over a year collecting songs from various artists and then just taking time and going through them to put the right songs on the project. I feel that the selections that made the cut for the project is very well thought out and complements the artist as well as the production.” The preceding is a response from E.G. regarding how he went about deciding which artist to feature.

He went on to say: “So far the response has been overwhelming everyone is loving the production and the talent that’s being displayed on the Fast Cash Riddim. I have to commend all the artists on their hard work on the production and I am looking forward, to working with them on future Projects.”

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “FAST CASH RIDDIM”

This Weekend’s ‘Feast On Soetry’ Is Sold Out!

The second installment in Marsha Wade‘s soetry concert series is this Saturday, April 22nd. Titled Feast On Soetry, the event will feature live performances by three poets: Angela Williams, Darren Salmon and Isilda Clarke, as well as host and soet Marsha Wade

Happening at the Rituals Coffee House, located at Shop #5 in the Village Plaza on Constant Spring Road in Kingston, the highly anticipated event – which is scheduled to begin at 7pm – is already sold out! Notably, in addition to the live entertainment patrons will also receive repasts, drinks and desserts. 

The Revival Fire Gospel Explosion!

Queen Entertainment LLC presents The Revival Fire Gospel Explosion on Sunday, April 30th at the Praise Works Family Church – 2312 Dorrington Drive – in Dallas, Texas.

There will be a live performance by Grammy Award winner Le’Andria Johnson, shifting and exhalation by the world renowned Dr. Pedra Geter, a presentation by powerhouse Tiffany Andrews, and intercessor Terri Raven. The organizer is promising a night of praise, worship and fire!

Usher Presents ‘Lovers & Friends Festival’ In Las Vegas On May 6th (@Usher)

Despite always having residencies with some of the top musical stars, Usher‘s Lovers & Friends Festival is arguably the biggest music event in ‘sin city.’ Scheduled for Saturday, May 6th at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds in Las Vegas, Nevada, the all day event – 11am to midnight – will feature the who-is-who in urban music.

The full lineup includes Nelly, Busta Rhymes, Flo Rida, Master P, Sean Paul, Shaggy, Beenie Man, Chris Brown, Ginuwine, Remy Ma, Jojo, En Vogue, Blackstreet, Jagged Edge, Wayne Wonder, Kevin Lyttle, 702, Lil Mo, Lumidee, Missy Elliott, Mariah Carey, Pitbull, Usher, Christina Aguilera, Summer Walker, Jhene Aiko, Miguel, Partynextdoor, Bryson Tiller, Boyz II Men, Omarion, Bow Wow, Lil Kim, Eve, T.I. Soulja Boy, Da Brat, 50 Cent, The Diplomats, N.O.R.E, Chingy, Petey Pablo, Mannie Fresh, Dem Franchize Boyz, Yung Joc, Baby Bash, Frankie J, MC Magic and Lil Rob. Get tickets here.

Alicia Keys’ 2023 Tour Dates (@aliciakeys)

Singer, songwriter, and classically trained pianist Alicia Keys has just announced her North America Keys To The Summer Tour. Produced by Live Nation, it will have approximately twenty-three arena concerts, starting on June 28th in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Prior to North America, Keys will do eight shows in Latin America. The first stop there will be in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil on May 3rd. All dates, locations and links to tickets are available on her website.