#Kirk Franklin Song Cover

[cyarskaren52]

what was your favorite holiday song

The 20 Greatest Black Christmas Songs Of All Time

Get into the holiday spirit with these festive songs.

Jasmine Washington

The Daily Grind Video

Get ready to spread some holiday cheer, because the most wonderful time of the year is here! The greatness of Black Christmas music is one of the things that remains the same even in a period of unprecedented changes.

The right playlist can make virtual and/or socially distant celebrations feel reminiscent of life pre-COVID-19 pandemic. 

And there’s a melody for everyone, too. Adorable jingles acclaim the innocence of young children. Soulful records offer encouragement in a time of despair. Sweet ballads fuel romance. Comforting holiday-themed tracks uplift the brokenhearted. Unique recreations of traditional carols highlight the religious aspect of the holiday. There are even festive records with sultry requests for Santa.

Source: Michael Loccisano / Getty

The greatness of Black Christmas music isn’t limited to our personal preferences either. At their best, these classics have landed at the top of the charts and have influenced the way people commemorate the season every year.

Check out 20 of the greatest Christmas songs by Black artists below, and be sure to tell us which ones you’re adding to your playlist.

1. Alexander O’Neal “My Gift to You”

Alexander O’Neal offered a never-ending souvenir of love on “My Gift to You.”

2.  Boyz II Men Featuring Brian McKnight “Let It Snow”

What’s the festive season without a little romance? Boyz II Men and Brian McKnight’s “Let It Snow” honored the “joyous thing” that is love. The collaborative effort peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart in 2012.

3. Destiny’s Child “8 Days of Christmas”

The chart-topping trio celebrated the early 2000s and all of its millennium glory by asking their “baby” to give them CDs, belly rings and a “crop jacket with dirty denim jeans” on “8 Days of Christmas.”

4. Donny Hathaway “This Christmas”

Donny Hathaway unknowingly delivered a Black Christmas anthem with “This Christmas.” According to American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), it was the 30th most-performed holiday song of all time. Aretha Franklin, Chris Brown, Mary J. Blige, John Legend and Ne-Yo are among the singers who’ve recreated the classic tune.

5. Eartha Kitt “Santa Baby”

Eartha Kitt came under fire after the suggestive tone of “Santa Baby” led to boycotts following its 1953 release. According to Billboard,songwriter Philip Springer called the sultry sensation “the first sexy Christmas record.”

6. Ella Fitzgerald “Frosty the Snowman”

The First Lady of Song’s “Frosty the Snowman” rendition served up a jazz swing that made her cover one for the ages.

7. The Jackson 5 “Give Love on Christmas Day”

While most holiday songs focus on the act of giving, this number by The Jackson 5 shines a light on what’s really important. “What the world needs is love. Yes, the world needs your love,” they sang.

8. The Jackson 5 “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”

Filled with holiday hit after hit, The Jackson 5 Christmas Album spent four weeks at No.1 on Billboard magazine’s special Christmas Charts. It went on to sell more than 3.5 million copies worldwide. “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” is one of the album’s standout tracks.

9. Kirk Franklin & The Family “Jesus Is The Reason For The Season”

Back in 1996, Kirk Franklin & The Family set the record straight about why they were celebrating. If you listen closely, you may hear familiar voices like that of David and Tamela Mann.

10. Luther Vandross “Every Year, Every Christmas”

Celebrating the holidays may not be a remedy for a broken heart, but Luther Vandross shared his optimism on “Every Year, Every Christmas.”

11. Mahalia Jackson “O Holy Night”

The Queen of Gospel, Mahalia Jackson, offered her special soulful take on this beloved hymn.

12. Mariah Carey “All I Want For Christmas”

The holidays just aren’t the holidays without Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas” on repeat. In 2019, the single helped earn Carey the record for the longest span of Hot 100 No. 1s: 29 years, four months and two weeks, Billboardreports.

13. Nat King Cole “The Christmas Song”

Songwriters Bob Wells and Mel Tormé wrote Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song” on a hot summer day as a way to cool down. Talk about irony!

14. Otis Redding “Merry Christmas, Baby”

Otis Redding flipped the script on “Merry Christmas, Baby.” The crooner spoke from the delight of a gift recipient whereas most carols focus on the act of giving.

15. Run-D.M.C. “Christmas in Hollis”

Heralded as hip-hop’s earliest mainstream holiday song, “Christmas in Hollis” almost wasn’t recorded. According to The Source, D.M.C. expressed his apprehension about the project to fellow group members, Rev. Run and Jam Master Jay. “Nope. We’re not doing it. That’s what they try to do to hip-hop. They commercialize you and try to make you corny,” he reportedly said. Fortunately, the trio reconsidered and celebrated the single’s 33-year release in November.

16. Stevie Wonder “Someday at Christmas”

Released in the midst of the Vietnam War, “Someday at Christmas” delivered a hopeful message filled with social and political themes. Stevie Wonder imagined what life could be without conflict and with the possibility of a “world where men are free.”

17. The Supremes “My Favorite Things”

“My Favorite Things” recounts The Supremes’ most memorable wintertime moments and how they recall them to fight through bad days.

18. The Temptations “Silent Night”

There are many renditions of this time-honored treasure, but The Temptations’ cover of “Silent Night” is now the standard. The Temptations Christmas Card was a unique release because it gave each member of the legendary group the opportunity to lead a popular Christmas song.

19. TLC “Sleigh Ride”

TLC put a unique spin on music  for the festive season with the release of “Sleigh Ride.” The lively single offered Christmas greetings and well-wishes for the new year in a way that only the trio could. The song, a mix of rapping and singing, appeared on the Home Alone 2: Lost in New York soundtrack.

20. Whitney Houston “Do You Hear What I Hear”

More than just an outstanding interpretation of the story of the nativity, Whitney Houston’s “Do You Hear What I Hear” made a lasting impact. It was featured on A Very Special Christmas benefit album, which raised money for the Special Olympics.

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[thechanelmuse]

My Top Albums/EPs of 2022

So I bet you thought I forgot to post my end-of-the-year music list 😏

Chile, I did 🙃. Better late than never tho, right? 

Enjoy!

JAZZ

The Baylor Project - The Evening: Live at APPARATUS

Billy Drummond & Freedom of Ideas - Valse Sinistre

Brandon Coleman - Interstellar Black Space

Cécile McLorin Salvant - Ghost Song

Charlie Gabriel - Eighty Nine

Jeremy Pelt - Soundtrack

Joshua Redman Quartet (Redman, Brad Mehldau, Christian McBride, Brian Blade) - LongGone

Makaya McCraven - In These Times

Marquis Hill - New Gospel Revisited

Ron Carter - Finding the Right Notes

Samara Joy - Linger Awhile

COUNTRY

Abbey Cone - Hate Me EP

Carrie Underwood - Denim & Rhinestones

Luke Combs - Growin Up

Madeline Edwards - Crashlanded + Madeline Edwards EP (two projects)

Maren Morris - Humble Quest

Mickey Guyton - I Am Woman EP

FOLK

Brandi Carlile - In These Silent Days (Deluxe Edition) - In the Canyon Haze

Kina Grannis - It's Hard to Be Human — (2021 album)

Valerie June - The Moon and the Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers + Under Cover (two projects)

GOSPEL

DOE - Clarity

Kirk Franklin & Maverick City Music - Kingdom Come One (Deluxe)

Ricky Dillard - Breakthrough: The Exodus (Live)

Tasha Cobbs Leonard - Hymns (Live)

Tye Tribbett - All Things New

BLENDED GENRES

Gabriels - Angels & Queens – Part I

Janet Jackson - The Velvet Rope (Deluxe Edition) — 25th anniversary

Moonchild - Starfruit

PJ Morton - Watch the Sun (Deluxe)

Robert Glasper - Black Radio III (Supreme Edition)

SZA - SOS

Tank and the Bangas - Red Balloon

Various Artists - Stranger Things: Soundtrack from the Netflix Series, Season 4

YEBBA - Live at Electric Lady

SOUL/BLUES (ROCK*)

Jamison Ross - JAMO

Lady Wray - Piece of Me

Lee Fields - Sentimental Fool

Liv Warfield - Live at Cafe Wha? *

Lizz Wright - Holding Space: Live In Berlin

Miko Marks and The Resurrectors - Feel Like Going Home

Various Artists - Summer of Soul Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

R&B

Alex Isley & Jack Dine - Marigold

Ari Lennox - age/sex/location

Arin Ray - Hello Poison

Coco Jones - What I Didn't Tell You

Durand Bernarr - Wanderlust

India Shawn - BEFORE WE GO (DEEPER)

Kenyon Dixon - Closer

Lucky Daye - Candydrip

Mariah Carey - Butterfly: 25th Anniversary Expanded Edition

Mary J. Blige - Good Morning Gorgeous

Ravyn Lenae - HYPNOS

Sevyn Streeter - Drunken Wordz Sober Thoughtz

Siergio - BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE

POP/ALTERNATIVE (ROCK)

The 1975 - Being Funny In a Foreign Language

Aurora - The Gods We Can Touch

Avril Lavigne - Let Go (20th Anniversary Edition)

James Bay - Leap

LÉON - Circles

Lissie - Carving Canyons

Sigrid - High Note

RAP

Danger Mouse & Black Thought - Cheat Codes

Denzel Curry - Melt My Eyez See Your Future

Elzhi & Georgia Anne Muldrow - Zhigeist

JID - The Forever Story

Leikeli47 - Shape Up

Mozzy - Survivor's Guilt

Nas - King's Disease III

Saba - Few Good Things

Smino - Luv 4 Rent

EXPERIMENTAL

Niia - OFFAIR: Mouthful of Salt

Sault - Air + Aiir (2 projects)

HONORABLE MENTION

Beyoncé - RENAISSANCE

I know it’s coming... *hands on hips* “Honorable mention?!?”

I just can't listen to Renaissance straight through. I’ve tried and tried and tried. When it comes to my listening experience, I approach music sonically first, following the story and arrangement of the music instruments, and how the timbre of one's singing or rapping meets and interweaves between those elements. Give me an audio painting with a tapestry of enthralling colors and textures that I can feel. Then I'll invite in the lyrics.

It's like cinema. The average person most likely follows the eyes of the camera as it relates to the dialogue for the cinematic story. The way my brain is wired 🤖 I have to separate a number of other elements into parts as the story moves along — from the color grading and lighting to the sound design and mise-en-scène — to fully understand the director's vision and grasp the actual tale.

The thing about Renaissance as a whole is that it doesn't breathe enough for me. It feels chaotic like a tide than a flow if I let it run straight through. Give me spatial, darling! But that's the intentional, heavy-handed part about Renaissance, especially on the heels of a post-pandemic world: "Get tf up, dance and feel good." I don't wanna dance; I just wanna listen 😩 lol

Side note: 

We all have a specific musical palette as to why we fully gravitate to some songs/albums and not to others. I posted my review of Susan Roger’s book, This Is What It Sounds Like: What the Music You Love Says About You, a few months ago. (She was Prince's sound engineer from 1983 to 1988.) If you’re curious about why you like the music you like, I recommend for you to read it.

[redcarpetview]

Grammy®–Winner Donald Lawrence Honors Twinkie Clark With His Latest Album!  

Donald Lawrence Presents Power: A Tribute To Twinkie Clark, Available Now

Donald Lawrence has released his latest full-length album, Donald Lawrence Presents Power: A Tribute to Twinkie Clark. The GRAMMY®-winning legendary producer, recording artist, songwriter and music director delivers a reimagined 8-track project honoring the legendary Twinkie Clark’s early solo work. Blazing a new trail, Lawrence creates a packed lineup of special performances with bold, sonic melodies on new covers of Twinkie Clark’s songs from her classic 1981 Power album. 

Making a powerful celebration with the Clark family’s iconic voices and other beloved musical greats, some of the album’s featured stars include performances from The Clark Sisters, Kierra Sheard, Yolanda Adams, Sir The Baptist, PJ Morton, J Moss, among others. The album’s two lead singles are “In Him There Is No Sorrow” (with Yolanda Adams) and “Fix Me Jesus” (feat. Sir The Baptist, Jason Ferdinand & The Jason Ferdinand Singers). Along with the new album, newly-released is a lyric video for the song “Awake O’ Zion” (feat. J Moss & Daniel Weatherspoon), which premiered on YouTube. 

Lawrence’s new album Donald Lawrence Presents Power: A Tribute to Twinkie Clark, pays tribute to the historic artistry of Twinkie Clark’s songwriting and her continued impact in gospel music today. Donald Lawerence performs an impactful soulful rendition with the history-making gospel group The Clark Sisters, in the title track “Power” (feat. The Clark Sisters & Mr. Talkbox).

The reinterpretation conveys a powerful message of faith, empowerment, and the significance of the Holy Spirit. Bridging different generations of gospel music together, all the artists in collaboration with Lawrence present their own fresh interpretations on Twinkie Clark’s classic songs, paving the way for her songs to continue impacting the next generation of gospel artists and fans everywhere, with songs like “My Soul Loves Jesus” (feat. Shirley Murdock, Kierra Sheard, Jekalyn Carr & Kelontae Gavin), “Praise The Lord” (feat. PJ Morton), and more.   

Donald Lawrence. Media Image.

Donald Lawrence has established an illustrious career as a producer, songwriter, recording artist, music director, and choir master. His work has garnered recognition around the globe, with numerous prestigious awards, including GRAMMY, Stellar, and Dove Awards, chart-topping songs and albums, over 200 million career streams, and praise for his visually-stunning, musically-unforgettable performances.

Lawrence’s impact on the gospel music landscape continues to shape the style and sound of gospel. He played a pivotal part in shaping the distinctive sound of the renowned group The Clark Sisters and their individual works. He served as the music director for the highly acclaimed 2020 hit Lifetime movie biopic, "The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel," and produced its accompanying soundtrack. His work extends across gospel, R&B genres, entertainment and theater, collaborating with artists like Stephanie Mills, En Vogue, Mary J. Blige, BeBe Winans, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Kirk Franklin, and others.

Lawrence has been at the forefront of molding a vibrant style and sound in choir music, both through his own groups, The Tri-City Singers and Company, with the release of celebrated gospel albums and hit tracks, including "Encourage Yourself" "The Blessing of Abraham," "Deliver Me (This Is My Exodus)," and "The Gift." He is back as the music supervisor for the McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration ® Gospel Tour, with shows hitting six cities from September to December.

Donald Lawrence, “Awake O’ Zion” (feat. J Moss & Daniel Weatherspoon) Lyric Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O92v6hf9wFY 

# # #

[junkshop-disco]

Let’s talk more about a gospel playlist. Would this include ‘When Doves Cry’ by Quindon Tarver from the Romeo and Juliet soundtrack?

oooh yes let's! It's a very good arrangement, although my fav cover of that song is this one from the Be Good Tanyas.

On the gospel-inspired playlist I'm absolutely not making, I'd also have:

Nobody Knows - Pastor TL Barrett

Looking for You - Kirk Franklin

Border Song - Aretha Franklin

We Are The Sun - SAULT

We Need You - Cleo Sol

Waiting - Amber Mark

Same Girl - Tess Henley

6s to 9s - Wild feat. Rationale

The Pressure - Sounds of Blackness & Frankie Knuckles

It's Alright, I Feel It - Nuyorican Soul feat Jocelyn Brown

Heaven - The Visions feat Andreya Triana

The World Is Love - Steve "Silk" Hurley feat Sharon Pass

Reach for Freedom - Dennis Ferrar

Don't Be Afraid - DJ Spen feat Ziggy Funk

Fool's Gold - Jill Scott

We've taken a bit of a ramble through neo soul to abstract jazz to deep house there but it's all about ✨ the vibe and if you've got a big gospel vocal, I am all the way in (despite being a massive atheist).

[popblank]

Year-end roundup of theater I saw in 2023:

I saw a lot this year (29 unique shows with a couple of repeats). Part of the reason is probably that I spent money on tickets more freely because I was working a lot more than usual.

Notes or links to separate posts below:

Mean Girls (tour; Pantages) – The strengths are in the original movie material and added character development, while the music is just enough to support the story. Fun, though not sure I'd call it good.

Topdog/Underdog (Broadway) – Fantastic performances from both Corey Hawkins and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. Not particularly interested in con artist/gambler storylines but it fit the themes.

A Strange Loop (Broadway) – Amazing, totally get why it won Best Musical. Viewing experience was enhanced by a responsive audience. I'm excited to see it in LA and crossing my fingers that it gets a decent reception.

Kimberly Akimbo (Broadway) – Hadn't read much about it and was unprepared for how funny it was and how strong the cast was across the board. Favorite little absurdity was how the show choir kids are slowly drawn into Debra's scheme. The cast recording captures a decent part of the humor and was my most-played album in 2023.

Merrily We Roll Along (Off-Broadway) – Not sure I can imagine a better casting for Franklin Shepard than Jonathan Groff.

Wicked (Broadway) – Hadn't seen it in over a decade and felt like revisiting. It was fine; Elphaba and Fiyero seemed to have good chemistry.

Leopoldstadt (Broadway) – If I had the time and money I would just follow Caissie Levy and Brandon Uranowitz around to see whatever they are in. In a 2+ hour show with no intermission I never got bored.

Frozen (tour; Segerstrom) – Had previously seen this pre-pandemic so most of the cast had changed, though Caroline Bowman was still Elsa and was good. A number of the new cast seemed very young.

The Secret Garden (Ahmanson)

Kristina Wong, Sweatshop Overlord (Kirk Douglas)

The Lonely Few (2x) (Geffen Playhouse)

Sunday in the Park with George (Pasadena Playhouse) – First time I’ve ever seen this show (or listened to the music with any level of attention), and while I enjoyed it for the most part—particularly Act 1—I really struggled to care about modern George’s professional and personal difficulties in creating his art. I did like the music and can’t say I was ever bored, but in the end I was (to my surprise) thoroughly unmoved. One notable thing was that the sound in the theater was great. Everything was remarkably clear and I could understand all of the rapid-fire lyrics very well considering I was not very familiar with the music.

Twilight: Los Angeles 1992 (Mark Taper Forum) – Staged with multiple actors; unfortunately I don't remember much about it as I did not take any notes.

1776 (2x)

Kiss of the Spider Woman (A Noise Within) – The play, not the musical. Enjoyed it, thought Molina in particular was well performed.

Six (tour, Pantages) – Had listened to the studio cast recording and enjoyed it but the songs do tend to work better with the little bit of context provided by the show.

A Little Night Music (Pasadena Playhouse) – Another first-time Sondheim show for me; I liked the music (more so than Sunday in the Park With George), acting was strong, but I had difficulty caring much about the interpersonal drama.

A Soldier's Play (tour, Ahmanson) – Didn't take notes afterward; mostly I remember that Norm Lewis's speaking voice is startlingly resonant.

Tina (tour, Pantages) – Saw this only a few weeks after her death; the Playbill cover had been redesigned to acknowledge it and I think the cast and audience were still feeling that impact. It was pretty good for a straight-ahead biographical jukebox musical.

A Transparent Musical

Into the Woods

Beetlejuice

Les Misérables (tour, Pantages) – Heard the latest tour cast was really good, and it was; it hit the emotional beats well. Particularly liked Fantine (here's a local morning-show performance of "I Dreamed a Dream"), Javert, and Valjean, actually liked Gavroche for a change, and this production got rid of a character direction I absolutely hated (Grantaire's melodramatic wail after the "Little People" reprise).

Heroes of the Fourth Turning

Peter Pan Goes Wrong (Ahmanson) – Entertaining and funny though didn't quite hit my sense of humor dead on.

Here Lies Love (Broadway) – Was really glad to have the opportunity to see this because I missed the original production 10 years ago and regretted it. Sat in the front mezzanine which seemed just fine and provided an overall good view of the action in almost every direction. Particularly liked Conrad Ricamora (very charismatic) as Ninoy Aquino and Jose Llana as Marcos. Staging, audience participation, projections, etc. were essential to communicating the message of the show. I like the music and have the original cast recording but it would be very easy to misunderstand the tone from only listening to the recording.

The Sound Inside (Pasadena Playhouse) – Saw this in the middle of being swamped at work so my memory of this is a bit sparse. I remember being uncertain of how to react at the end of the show (same for the audience I was in) but thinking about it afterward the ideas and themes came together more clearly.

A Christmas Story (Ahmanson) – A pleasant and family-friendly show; lots of kids in the cast. Have never seen the movie. There were some high points (e.g. the big tap number featuring Miss Shields and a bunch of children singing "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out" as Prohibition-era gangsters and flappers) but I was bored for a good portion of the show. The portrayal of motherhood is very traditional.

MJ the Musical (tour; Pantages) – Was wondering how Lynn Nottage would handle the book. At first the "in rehearsal for the Dangerous tour" setup seemed like an interesting framing, but ultimately I don't think it went anywhere interesting dramatically or emotionally, or communicated much that wasn't already known even to non-Michael Jackson fans. The part from the Tony Awards performance is the high point of the show IMO.

[coghive]

[Download] Paul & Silas - Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore

Two 5x GRAMMY-winning artists come together on a healing new song with a message of hope for the lost and broken. Powerhouse vocalist Naomi Raine’s new single “Paul And Silas (At Midnight),” featuring Chandler Moore (Justin Bieber, Maverick City Music), is out now. It’s the latest from Raine’s forthcoming debut live album ‘Cover The Earth’ (due 6.2 via TRIBL Records). Listen to “Paul And Silas (At Midnight),” here: orcd.co/jdj9va4 Naomi recently spoke to PEOPLE Magazine about the track, discussing how her music impacts others, performing at the GRAMMY Awards and how she connects with her family while she’s on the road in the piece, here:

Showcasing the breathtaking vocals and versatility from Raine and Moore, “Paul And Silas (At Midnight)” is a reminder that joy can be found even in the darkest moments of life. The track blends convicting, traditional gospel sounds with contemporary and world music, and it’s an extension of the transcending style the two are known for as part of Maverick City Music. Kirk Franklin says the vocalists are “the next generation of gospel music,” and it’s easy to see (and hear) they are the face of the next wave of inspiration. Raine and Moore performed at the GRAMMY Awards alongside Quavo as part of the tribute to the late Migos member Takeoff: grammy.com/videos/quavo-migos-takeoff-2023-grammys-without-you-memoriam-performance-live-maverick-city-music Paul & Silas - Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore Watch Video & Download Below https://youtu.be/OpvP7YrYc88 https://coghive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Naomi-Raine-Paul-Silas-At-Midnight-w-Chandler-Moore.mp3 “Paul And Silas (At Midnight)” follows Raine’s ethereal “One Name (Jesus)” (3.17) – both of which are on her new 14-track album that features collaborations with 9x GRAMMY-nominee Natalie Grant, Todd Dulaney and Lizzie Morgan (Maverick City Music) — all recorded in Raine’s hometown of New York City. The worship leader, mom and dynamic vocalist has won GRAMMY, NAACP, Stellar, BET, Billboard and Dove Awards, and she’s performed on the BET Awards, GRAMMY Awardsand more. Recently named a Pandora 2023 Artist To Watch, she is poised for her breakout year. Later this month, she’ll kick off her co-headlining trek on the first-of-its-kind, female-led It’s Time Tour 2023 with Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Natalie Grant, TAYA, Tamela Mann and Katie Torwalt. The tour will stop in Atlanta, New York, Nashville and more before wrapping in Los Angeles in June. Read the full article

[brn1029]

This day in Classics of Rock…

March 28th

2013 - Hugh McCracken

American rock guitarist and session musician Hugh McCracken died of leukemia in New York City at the age of 70. He appeared on many recordings by Steely Dan, Donald Fagen, Billy Joel, Roland Kirk, Roberta Flack, B. B. King, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, The Monkees, Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel, James Taylor, Phoebe Snow, Bob Dylan, Carly Simon, Graham Parker, Eric Carmen, Loudon Wainwright III, Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison, The Four Seasons, Hall and Oates, Gary Wright and Andy Gibb. Because of such high demand for his work, McCracken declined Paul McCartney's invitation to help form his new band, Wings after appearing on his 1971 album Ram.

2000 - Jimmy Page

Jimmy Page accepted substantial undisclosed libel damages from a magazine which claimed he had caused or contributed to the death of his Led Zeppelin bandmate John Bonham. Page's solicitor, Norman Chapman, told High Court Judge Mr Justice Morland that the feature in Ministry magazine printed in 1999 claimed Page was more concerned with keeping vomit off his bed than saving his friend's life, and that he stood over him wearing Satanist robes and performing a useless spell.

1992 - Ozzy Osbourne

Over a $100,000 (£58,800) worth of damage was caused at The Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre, California, when Ozzy Osbourne invited the first two rows of the audience on stage. Several others took up the offer and the band was forced to exit the stage.

1976 - Phil Collins

Genesis began their first North American tour since Peter Gabriel left the band, appearing in Buffalo, New York, with Phil Collins taking over as lead singer.

1973 - Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin released their fifth studio album, Houses Of The Holy in the UK. The album title was a dedication by the band to their fans who appeared at venues they dubbed 'Houses of the Holy'. The cover is a collage of several photographs which were taken at the Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland, by Aubrey Powell of Hipgnosis. The two children who modelled for the cover were siblings Stefan and Samantha Gates.

1970 - Simon and Garfunkel

Simon and Garfunkel were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', the duo's only UK No.1. Only Art Garfunkel sang on the track.

1968 - Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd recorded a performance for the BBC 2 TV Omnibus - The Sound of Change show from Barnes Common, London, England. The special, which was produced by Tony Palmer, also featured performances by The Who, Cream and The Jimi Hendrix Experience. The show was later broadcast in September of this year.

1967 - The Beatles

Working on sessions for the new Beatles album Sgt. Pepper at Abbey Road studios in London, John Lennon recorded his lead vocal for ‘Good Morning Good Morning’, and Paul McCartney added a lead guitar solo to the track. Lennon had decided he wanted to end the song with animal sound effects, and asked that they be sequenced in such a way that each successive animal was capable of scaring or eating the preceding one.

[aimieshoward]

My “Courtney + Eloise” playlist (aka a list of songs that remind me of Courtney and/or Eloise)

“you’re one of the few things that I’m sure of”

Song: The Few Things - JP Saxe

Connection: They covered it on Instagram

-

“darling, only you can ease my mind”

Song: Ease My Mind - Ben Platt

Connection: They covered it on Instagram (the first cover they ever posted together)

-

“in this big white room of mine”

Song: Big White Room - Jessie J

Connection: Eloise covered it and in the caption she had “@courtneyjstapes you lift me up more than you know I love you x” which was the first time either of them had used the l-word on social media in relation to each other

-

“but i didn’t think that they’d come crashing down”

Song: Cry Me A River - Rob Houchen (featuring Emma Kingston & Eloise Davies)

Connection: I mean, Eloise is featured on it, but also Courtney once said on Instagram live “I love Rob Houchen’s new EP, it’s out, go get it, Eloise is on it”

-

“we’re all looking for someone, that perfect girl; who can take our hands and help us see the world”

Song: Do You Wanna Do Nothing With Me - Lawerence

Connection: Courtney put it in one of her Instagram stories of her and Eloise

-

“my world needs you right now”

Song: My World Needs You Right Now - Kirk Franklin (featuring Sarah Reeves, Tasha Cobbs, & Tamela Mann)

Connection: Courtney put it Instagram story of her lying in bed looking sad with the caption “”I want my girl back now @eloisemaydavies 🥺🥺🥺”

-

“they don’t make fairytales sweeter than ours”

Song: Take The World - JOHNNYSWIM

Connection: Eloise got Courtney a vinyl with their favourite songs on it, this was the song playing from the vinyl when Courtney posted it on Instagram story

-

“I came along, I wrote a song for you”

Song: Yellow - Coldplay

Connection: Eloise covered this on Instagram. Courtney commented “I fancy you so much 😍” to which Eloise responded “that’s kind of good news courts x”

-

“for once I have something I know won’t desert me”

Song: For Once In My Life - Stevie Wonder

Connection: this one has no relevance to C+E but Eloise covered it at Peter Andre’s party and y’all should listen to it

-

“you might just be the one I’ve been waiting for my whole life”

Song: Just a Kiss - Lady Antebellum

Connection: it’s Courtney’s favourite song to sing with Eloise but also she said “I actually like it when she just sings at me... her voice is just 😍😍😍”

-

“but if you want me to, I’ll carry your light”

Song: Carry Your Light - Nick Wilson

Connection: They covered it on Instagram (Eloise played guitar and Courtney sang), and it gave us the iconic “it’s kinda tricky to play and be distracted at the same time”, “it’s hard playing guitar for someone you’re crazy about”, and “late night lovin’”

[carruechedaily]

I've watched the Kirk Franklin cover of All The Stars so many times already. I need a full song.

We need the full version now 

[cyarskaren52]

There are very few acts in Hip-Hop that have had the run of hits that Salt N Pepa enjoyed in the 1980s and 1990s. Salt and Pep, along with DJ Spinderella, helped usher in a wave of female rappers, but beyond their status as trailblazers, these rap queens have a remarkable body of work. Alongside their hitmaking producer Hurby "Luv Bug" Azor, Salt-N-Pepa helped define the sound of an era, with an image that stretched from their iconic Dapper Dan jackets and doorknocker earrings, to Dolce & Gabbana designer outfits and glam photo shoots. 

They have so many hits, and more than a few dope album cuts. We narrowed down the 25 dopest songs from Salt-N-Pepa.

#26

"BACKYARD" - PEBBLES FEAT. SALT-N-PEPA [BONUS SONG]

Our BONUS SONG pick is a celebrated classic guest spot! Here, R&B songstress Pebbles gave the ladies a warning on one of her best new jack singles, and Salt-N-Pepa lend an assist. Don't forget: she'll take yo' man.

#25

"HOLD ON" FEAT. KIRK FRANKLIN, SOUNDS OF BLACKNESS

Salt's spirituality was always there, even if it wasn't always evident in Salt-N-Pepa's biggest hits. This collaboration with gospel superstars Kirk Franklin and Sounds Of Blackness spoke to the religiosity she would embrace in the 2000s.

#24

"AIN'T NUTHIN' BUT A SHE THING"

An MTV fixture in the mid-1990s, this is Salt-N-Pepa at their most anthemic, championing "girl power" and representing for the ladies at the height of their career. 

#23

"INDEPENDENT"

The final single from Blacks Magic is an early example of Salt's talents as a songwriter and producer. The song also features a vocal appearance from R&B star, Sybil. 

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#22

"I LIKE IT LIKE THAT"

Early Salt-N-Pepa was at their best when getting the party started. A dancefloor-ready album cut from A Salt With A Deadly Pepa, this track is a TikTok craze waiting to happen. 

#21

"DOPER THAN DOPE"

Bob James is one of Hip-Hop's most beloved jazzmen, and "Nautilus" has been flipped a bajillion different ways. But one of the most underrated is this uber-cool track from Blacks Magic. 

#20

"CHICK ON THE SIDE"

This Pointer Sisters-referencing track is a standout on Hot, Cool & Vicious; and it was an early showcase for the ghostwriting of a then-unknown Kool G Rap. 

#19

"TRAMP"

Salt and Pep take on another oldie but goodie. The 60s soul standard, popularized by Otis Redding and Carla Thomas, is a jumping off point for this take down of a sleazy womanizer. 

#18

"GIDDY UP"

Salt-N-Pepa showed love to Rick James on this underrated single from Brand New. With the ladies in full sex vamp mode, it was one of their last major videos of the 1990s.

#17

"YOU SHOWED ME"

Salt-N-Pepa has always had a love for 60s pop songs, and this remake of the 1969 hit from The Byrds is one of their most popular Blacks Magic-era tracks. 

#16

"HEAVEN & HELL"

The final single from the blockbuster Very Necessary saw S-N-P going for street tales. One of the most "hood" tracks they ever released, it wasn't as big as the album's other hits, but showed the girls could get a little gritty.

#15

"R U READY" FEAT. RUFUS MOORE

The group revisited one of it's earliest hits, with much flossier results. The lead single for what would be Salt-N-Pepa's final album to date was an infectious reimagining of "My Mic Sounds Nice" for the "Shiny Suit Era," with an assist from Rufus Moore.

#14

"SHAKE YOUR THANG" FEAT. E.U.

There was a time when Salt-N-Pepa was seen as the raunchy downfall of popular music. Salt, Pep and Spin poked a little fun at their notorious reputation with this cover/interpolation of the Isley Bros classic that also featured go-go legends E.U.

#13

"BLACKS' MAGIC"

The title track to Salt-N-Pepa's third album highlighted just how focused the women were on this particular project and how much creative control they'd gained. Featuring Spin on production and some of the group's most pro-Black subject matter, it's one of their most underrated moments. 

#12

"THE SHOWSTOPPA (IS STUPID FRESH)"

The song that started it all. Hurby "Luv Bug" Azor recruited his girlfriend Cheryl "Salt" James and her best friend Sandy "Pepa" Denton to record this answer to Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick's classic "The Show." Add a synth line from 'Revenge Of The Nerds,' and the rest is history.

#11

"CHAMPAGNE"

The main single from the soundtrack for the largely forgotten Adam Sandler/Damon Wayans buddy cop flick 'Bulletproof,' this Ohio Players-sampling track was a glasses-in-the-air girls night out anthem. 

#10

"MY MIC SOUNDS NICE"

One of Salt-N-Pepa's early signature songs, with a hook that's been revisited numerous times throughout Hip-Hop. It is also another showcase for Hurby's go-go influences. 

#9

"I'LL TAKE YOUR MAN"

One of Salt-N-Pepa's most iconic songs, it's brash and in-your-face. The song has become something of a Hip-Hop standard, revisited by everyone from Mia X to City Girls. 

#8

"DO YOU WANT ME"

The third single from Blacks Magic kept the album on the charts for almost two years. Featuring only Salt's rapping, and some of the group's most inspired production courtesy of Hurby, it's an all-timer. 

#7

"SHOOP"

This megahit helped push Very Necessary to five-times platinum, and it was the brainchild of Pepa herself. With Pepa serving as the song's primary writer and Salt as producer, it stands as a creative high-water mark for a group that fought hard for some independence. 

#6

"LET'S TALK ABOUT SEX"

A sex anthem at the height of AIDS hysteria and safe sex messaging, it became one of the biggest hits of Salt-N-Pepa's career and still stands as a 90s anthem. 

#5

"NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS"

With this brazen Grammy-winning track, Salt, Pepa and Spin made it clear that sex positivity was the cause of the day. Before Lil Kim and Foxy took it to another level, S-N-P made a stand for female sexuality and staying out of grown folks' business. 

#4

"GET UP (EVERYBODY)"

The video is like a Hip-Hop 'West Side Story,' the Parliament-sampling piano line is catchy as hell, and Salt-N-Pepa delivered one of their all-time best singles with this dark groove. 

#3

"EXPRESSION"

After her breakup with Hurby, Salt wanted more than just romantic freedom. The rapper broke out as a producer, taking the reins and crafting this track, a major hit single for Salt-N-Pepa which set off Blacks Magic. 

#2

"WHATTA MAN"

There are very few songs as big, as inescapable and as undeniably 90s as the second single from Very Necessary. The En Vogue hook is classic, and the video features an uncredited cameo from Tupac Shakur. 

#1

"PUSH IT"

The dancefloor anthem to end all dancefloor anthems. The synth line that sold so much spandex. Those jackets. That hook. This is one of the most recognized Hip-Hop songs of all time, and a timeless party starter. The song may have freaked out parents in the late 1980s, but now it's heard everywhere from wedding receptions to company retreats.

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[blackkudos]

B.Slade

Anthony Charles Williams II (born May 16, 1975), better known by his stage name B.Slade, formerly known under the gospel moniker Tonéx ( TOH-nay), is an American singer, songwriter, actor, multi-instrumentalist, rapper, dancer, producer, and activist from San Diego, CA. He has gone by various names and aliases, but his primary stage name of choice had for years been "Tonéx". In 2010, he began using the stage name B.Slade in order to rebrand himself.

Williams has released several hundred songs on dozens of albums over the span of his career, while producing several others for both gospel and secular artists. He has won six Stellar Awards, a GMA Award, and received 2 Grammy nominations: one for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album for his 2004 gold album, Out the Box and another in 2009 for Best Urban/Soul Alternative Performance for his single, "Blend", from his 2009 mainstream (albeit theoretically Gospel) album, Unspoken.

Known more for his gospel recordings, his musical efforts have been known to blend a smorgasbord of styles, including pop, R&B, jazz, soul, funk, hip hop, rock, Latin, electro, punk and trance. His primary influences include Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Prince, Michael Jackson, Walter Hawkins, David Bowie, and Janet Jackson. His distinct sound and eclectic style of music led him to give his music its own genre per se, calling it "Nureau".

Life and music career

Early life

Born in 1975, Williams grew up in the San Diego, California area. His father, Anthony Williams, was Senior Pastor of the Truth Apostolic Community Church in suburban Spring Valley and served as a district elder in the California District Council of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW). His mother, E. B. Williams, was a licensed minister in the PAW and served the church as Assistant Pastor. Anthony was the youngest of the Williams' six boys. Gospel music was the preferred choice at home, but other sounds made their way into Williams' environment. His father played saxophone for James Brown and Jackie Wilson, his mother sang in various girl groups, and his older brothers sneaked funk and R&B recordings into the house. By age 10, he had recorded an album of his own at home (produced by Virgil Brookins). Deciding early on a musical career, he took the name "Tonex" by the time he was 13, sometimes spelling it "Tonéx"; at the age of 16 he and his parents hired his first personal manager, Benjamin Jimerson (aka Benjamin Jimerson-Phillips) in 1991. Jimerson, who has since become a relatively successful movie producer, stated: "From the first moment I saw Tonex and he sang his first note, I realized I was dealing with a young man destined to become a major celebrity."

1996–2000: Early career

Rescue was still a small label, and Pronounced Toe-Nay was issued in a limited production run and distributed mostly from the back of Williams' car. Young gospel fans, however, quickly caught on to the innovative variety of music on Pronounced Toe-Nay. The album's producer, T. Boy, was an alter ego of Tonex himself. The album was divided by style into seven sections: hip-hop/rap, retro/funk, the future, jazz, mellow grooves, soul/gospel, and bonus tracks. In the recordings of Kirk Franklin and others, hip-hop had previously made inroads into gospel music, but this kind of wild eclectic mix was completely new. At the time, the digital reproduction of music was in its infancy, and rare copies of the album became prized possessions. Pronounced Toe-Nay garnered the attention of the producers at the 14th Annual Stellar Awards and placed him on the billing, and that performance by Tonéx made such a bold statement and had such an impact, it has been compared to the impact Michael Jackson made on the Motown 25th Anniversary Special back in 1983 when he introduced the moonwalk to the world.

2000–2004: As a rising gospel artist

By this time, national labels had come calling. Tonéx was signed to an unusual three-way deal that affiliated him with the successful and growing gospel label Verity, the pop imprint Zomba, and the durable hip-hop label Tommy Boy. Tonéx made his national debut with a re-release of his most successful independent album Pronounced Toe-Nay in 2000. His first high-profile television appearance was performing a medley of "Trinity" and "One Good Reason" on the Stellar Awards, which was a coup as Tonéx was a relative unknown at the time. He has dubbed his particular genre-spanning musical style "nureau."

Upon its release, Pronounced Toe-Nay bore 5 different record label logos: Rescue Records, the independent label that originally released the album; Mo' Soule Steppyn Records, Tonéx's then-active vanity imprint label; Tommy Boy Gospel, the label to which Tonéx was signed as an artist; Verity Records, the label to which his independent label Rescue Records sold his album's masters; and Jive Records, the mainstream umbrella over Verity Records. All of the material was produced, arranged, composed and performed by Tonéx, with guest appearances from his mother E.B. Williams, and the rapper Big J.

Some executives wanted to develop Tonéx's career in a secular direction, but he turned them down and kept to religious themes. "There are a lot of people who do similar things to what I do in R&B but I wanted to use gospel lyrics," he explained in an interview quoted on the Sphinx Management Web site.

After going through numerous revisions, his second album O2 was released in 2002. According to Tonéx, the title of his second album referred to the year of release, to the element oxygen, and to the album's status as his second major recording. O2 matched the stylistic eclecticism of Pronounced Toe-Nay, with each track diverging completely from the one before. The album spawned a major Christian radio hit in "God Has Not 4Got", a Stellar Award-winning song that displayed Tonéx's ability to create traditional choral gospel music as well as innovative pop fusions. USA TODAY gave it 3 stars (3 out of 4). The music video for the single "Bout A Thang" received heavy rotation on BET and MTV Australia, and featured energetic hip-hop dance and an urban image not usually associated with Gospel artists. O2 also featured a love song, "You", directed toward the artist's then-wife Yvette Williams (née Graham), a vocalist who at times went by the name Ms. Tonéx.

Becoming known to the wider contemporary Christian music community as a result of several music industry awards and award nominations, Tonéx went on tour with contemporary gospel artists Trin-i-Tee 5:7 and Men of Standard after the release of O2. Tonéx was moved up from opening act to headliner as audiences reacted enthusiastically to his music and his high falsetto voice. He performed once more at the Stellar Awards early in 2004 and won several awards.

Even though O2 brought him more mainstream success, Tonéx said that this album was not what he had in mind for release. He continued to release independent projects via the internet that showcased even more of his versatile creativity. Probably his most acclaimed of these works, Tonéx released Oak Park 92105 in 2003 on his now defunct Nureau Underground website in 2003, stating it was this album that he intended to release after Pronounced Toe-Nay, and not O2. Oak Park 92105 was a double album that mainly dealt with Tonéx's life growing up in the Oak Park community nestled in the eastern tip of southeast San Diego, California. It was eventually re-released on iTunes in 2005 with some new songs; however, the album did not come without controversy, as Tonéx opted to include a "parental advisory: explicit lyrics" notice on the front cover of the album, making it the first album by a Christian-based artist to carry the notice. Tonéx said the "explicit lyrics" notice is not a result of "cussing" on a record but rather content that "might be a little too deep for children."

2004–2006: Out The Box and accolade

His 2004 live double CD Out The Box earned him the most widespread acclaim so far. Divided into segments ranging from traditional gospel and praise anthems to splashes of urban dance, rock, and hip-hop, the ambitious Out The Box was a sprawling double disc set with 36 tracks, which included innovative intros, interludes, and a number of studio tracks. The supporting cast included a 10-piece band, 4 dancers, a 16-voice ensemble, and a 40-voice choir. Notable guest appearances on the album included Kirk Franklin, who plays piano in the live version of "God Has Not 4Got" and appears as an artist on "Since Jesus Came", and frequent Prince percussionist Sheila E, who appears on the Latin-flavored "Todos Juntos".

Out The Box debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard magazine Top Gospel Album Chart in September 2004, appeared on Billboard's Top 200 and Top R&B Chart, was No. 5 on the Contemporary Christian Chart, and to date has sold over 500,000 copies. He also netted a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album the following year, and had another bonafide Christian radio hit with the ballad "Make Me Over". In 2005, Tonéx won a total of six Stellar Awards including "Artist of the Year" for Out The Box.

2006–2010: Controversy, turbulence, and retirement from gospel

In July 2004, his father died, forcing him to take on the responsibility of becoming senior pastor of their family's church in his stead. He also divorced his wife of 5 years, Yvette. In 2006, Verity Records sued Williams for one million dollars citing breach of contract. Subsequently, Tonéx announced that he would retire from the Gospel music industry, frustrated by politics and mistreatment. Following the announcement, Kirk Franklin posted a personal blog on his own website sympathizing with the artist feeling "the weight of an industry that is only built to make money, not heal broken souls." He continued releasing music independently, using MySpace as his primary vehicle for promotion.

In March 2007, a reconciliation with Zomba Label Group was announced, which would be a joint venture for his Nureau Ink label. The deal was struck under the auspices of new Zomba president "Jazzy" Jordan (who previously had guided the careers of R. Kelly and Salt-N-Pepa). With a new record deal under his belt, he was preparing to release a double disc set titled Stereotype: Steel & Velvet, which was slated to be released on September 11, 2007, and was purportedly supposed to do for his career what Thriller did for Michael Jackson and what Purple Rain did for Prince. However, in June 2007, another split with Zomba was announced, fueled by his leaking of the vitriolic and profanity-laden song "The Naked Truth", along with several similarly themed blogs and videos. Tonéx cited label frustration as one of the reasons he leaked the song, and he soon faced much scrutiny within the Gospel arena for the explicit language and the angry tone of the song and its subsequent blogs. He later would close down his social networking sites for several months before resurfacing on the web in January 2008.

Recreating a softer gospel-friendly image, Williams changed his stage name to Ton3x (or TON3X) in 2008. He left the Verity Records family and signed under the umbrella of Battery Records, a label imprint of Sony/BMG. His only Battery Records release was the album Unspoken, released on March 17, 2009. The first single from that album, entitled "Blend", was unexpectedly nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance, despite very little promotional/financial support from Sony/Battery and garnered the artist his first non-gospel Grammy nomination. That year, he would also present awards at the Grammy pre-telecast, including the first two awards given to Lady Gaga, who was already backstage preparing for her show-opening performance.

In September 2009, The Word Network aired an appearance of Tonéx on The Lexi Show. Starting out as another promotional tool for his music, the interview unexpectedly changed directions, leading to Williams candidly expressing his views on sexuality and revealing his own same-sex attraction. Though his sexual orientation had already been highly speculated within the African American and gospel communities, the unapologetic tone of these revelations were condemned by conservative Christians, and bookings and appearances were universally cancelled, eventually leading to Williams being excommunicated. The artist would later say that he was "caught off guard" by the show's line of questioning but that he answered every question truthfully.

On December 29, 2009, Tonéx's website, as well as his Twitter and Facebook accounts, reported that the artist's mother, Evangelist and vocalist E.B. Williams, had died the day before. Williams would soon end his pastoral duties at his family's church.

On June 9, 2010, Tonéx announced what would be his final mixtape, the digital-only release The Parking Lot. The mixtape was also distributed in NYC that night after what would be his final performance. On June 15, 2010, the brand Tonéx/TON3X was officially and permanently retired. A "Tonéx Vault" was created on Bandcamp to share rare and previously unreleased material like the shelved Verity project, Gosp0p.

2010–2013: Rebirth as B.Slade and a return to independence

Recreating himself as an out indie R&B/glam pop artist, the artist formerly known as Tonéx underwent a re-branding, dubbing himself B.Slade and using digital media to release his new music and philosophies. The name change was inspired by the character Brian Slade from the art film Velvet Goldmine. Though he continues to receive much resistance from his past, conservative gospel fans, his new-found transparency and honest lyrics have helped him carve a niche in the LGBT music genre, which itself is slowly gaining acceptance in the mainstream field. Albums announced and partially produced under the Tonéx brand like A Brilliant Catastrophe, his Michael and Janet Jackson tribute mixtape, and the long-awaited, aforementioned Stereotype were all officially released during this time. B.Slade performed "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" as a tribute to disco singer Sylvester at the 7th Annual OUTMUSIC Awards. His full-length album Diesel, was released via his own label Suxxess Records on July 19, 2011.

After completing his stint in the musical The Who's Tommy in the summer of 2011, B.Slade began work on his next concept album, Knowing. An ambitious "pop opera" narrating a dystopian take on the future of the major record label monopoly, the album will serve as a soundtrack that the artist plans to turn into a feature film musical. Knowing was scheduled for a release on Christmas Day 2011 (another album entitled Stealth was released on this day instead), but after a few delays was released discretely in memory of Whitney Houston on February 11, 2012.

In the fall of 2012, B.Slade embarked on his "Sex, Drugs and Sushi US Tour", doing shows in Chicago, New York and taking residency at the WitZend in Venice, LA during the months of September and November. He was nominated for four awards at the 8th Annual OUTMUSIC Awards, winning one for Best R&B/Soul Song. He released another album, Stunt B%$@H, on January 25, 2013.

2014–present

2014 saw a resurgence from the artist as a viable mainstream producer and songwriter, placing songs on albums from Sheila E. (Icon) and Faith Evans (Incomparable). He also wrote and co-produced Angie Fisher's smash hit single, "I.R.S.". The song was instantly a runaway hit upon debut on Stevie Wonder's L.A.-based radio station KJLH, before going nationwide and peaking at No. 29 on Billboard's Adult R&B chart shortly thereafter. "I.R.S." was nominated for Best Traditional R&B Performance at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, garnering Fisher her first Grammy nod and giving him his third. He is currently working with Fisher on her debut album from Hidden Beach Records.

In 2015, he co-wrote several songs on Elijah Blake's debut album, including the smash hit "I Just Wanna..." (which peaked at No. 23 on Billboard's Hot R&B Songs chart) and its title track, "Shadows & Diamonds". He also wrote and arranged the song "Unhappy" from Jordin Sparks' third album, Right Here Right Now, and produced comeback singles from Tisha Campbell-Martin and Chaka Khan. He was also a singer, writer and producer on Snoop Dogg's acclaimed 2016 Gospel compilation album, Bible of Love.

Acting and musical theatre

Along with the many changes made by Williams in 2008, a foray into acting became part of his long list of endeavors. Williams made his film debut in the 2008 Charlie Murphy comedy The Hustle, which was released to home video in 2011. In September 2008, he played the role of James "Thunder" Early in a San Diego production of the Broadway musical Dreamgirls. Later in 2008 and early 2009, Williams played the character of Rolin in Princess & The Black Eyed Pea at the Lyceum Theater in San Diego. In 2011, he played the starring role in San Diego Repertory Theatre's production of The Who's Tommy, His performance earned him the Craig Noel Award for Best Male Lead Performance in a Musical.

TV and movie soundtracks

Williams sang and produced the opening song for the hit UPN television series One on One. His production was featured on the song "Off We Go" from the J. Lo/Ben Affleck film Gigli and in BET Films original movie The Walk starring Eva Marcille. "Cry No More" from the album Pronounced Toe-Nay was featured in the HBO film Prison Song starring Q-Tip and Mary J. Blige, while the track "The Good Song 2005", a remake of the song "The Good Song", was included on the soundtrack of the action movie xXx: State of the Union starring Ice Cube. B.Slade's song "Don't Wake Me" was featured on the second episode of the 2013 BET series Second Generation Wayans. In 2013, he produced the score for the 44th Annual NAACP Image Awards telecast. In 2014, Williams produced and co-wrote the theme song to OWN (The Oprah Winfrey Network) series, Flex & Shanice, starring Flex Alexander and Shanice Wilson, and guest-starred on a number of episodes. The first season of the series garnered two singles written & produced by B.Slade, "Gotta Blame Me" and "We Can Fly". He also performed the theme song for Bounce TV's sitcom One Love.

Media appearances

In 2005, Williams co-hosted the 20th Annual Stellar Awards with Donnie McClurkin and Yolanda Adams. As "DJ Tonéx" he hosted his own syndicated contemporary gospel radio show in partnership with SupeRadio Networks and Blue Sky Productions entitled Club Virtue from 2005 to 2007. He also briefly hosted the BET J (now BET Her) show Lifted which blended positive secular and gospel music programming. In 2010, The New Yorker published a lengthy article on the artist, highlighting his journey as one of the first major gospel artists to come out.

Public image

Williams' appearance has included extremely conservative suits with close cropped hair, outlandish, flamboyant garb with feather boas, fur coats, punk-inspired multi-colored hairstyles, Sanjaya-like headpieces, Stevie Wonder-style dreadlocks and also platform shoes, that brought to mind the "glam" rock bands of the 1970s and 1980s. As Tonéx, his image raised eyebrows in the conservative gospel and contemporary Christian music communities, and he eventually took the sharper edges off his look for a short time. But he made no apologies. "It wasn't me trying to make a statement; I've always been different," he told George Varga of the San Diego Union-Tribune. "And it really worked. Out of church, people are always asking me what my tattoos mean."

[redcarpetview]

5x Grammy Winners Naomi Raine and Chandler Moore Deliver Hope For The Broken On “Paul And Silas,” Out Now

Naomi Raine. Media Image.

     On April 14, two 5x GRAMMY-winning artists come together on a healing new song with a message of hope for the lost and broken. Powerhouse vocalist Naomi Raine’s new single “Paul And Silas (At Midnight),” featuring Chandler Moore (Justin Bieber, Maverick City Music), is out now. It is the latest from Raine’s forthcoming debut live album ‘Cover The Earth,’ set to release June 2 via TRIBL Records.

      Listen to “Paul And Silas (At Midnight)” here: orcd.co/jdj9va4

Watch Naomi and Chandler perform the new track here: youtu.be/OpvP7YrYc88

      Showcasing the breathtaking vocals and versatility from Raine and Moore, “Paul And Silas (At Midnight)” is a reminder that joy can be found even in the darkest moments of life. The track blends convicting, traditional gospel sounds with contemporary and world music. It is an extension of the transcending style the two are known for as part of Maverick City Music. 

    Kirk Franklin says the vocalists are “the next generation of gospel music,” and it’s easy to see and hear that they are the face of the next wave of inspiration. Raine and Moore performed at the GRAMMY Awards alongside Quavo as part of the tribute to the late Migos member Takeoff.  

     “Paul And Silas (At Midnight)” follows Raine’s ethereal “One Name (Jesus)” – both of which are on her new 14-track album that features collaborations with 9x GRAMMY-nominee Natalie Grant, Todd Dulaney and Lizzie Morgan (Maverick City Music) — all recorded in Raine’s hometown of New York City. 

     The worship leader, mom and dynamic vocalist has won GRAMMY, NAACP, Stellar, BET, Billboard and Dove Awards. She has performed on the BET Awards, GRAMMY Awards and more. Recently named a Pandora 2023 Artist To Watch, she is poised for her breakout year.

      Later this month, she will launch her co-headlining trek on the first-of-its-kind, female-led It’s Time Tour 2023 with Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Natalie Grant, TAYA, Tamela Mann and Katie Torwalt. The tour will stop in Atlanta, New York, Nashville and more before wrapping up in Los Angeles in June. 

     For more information, visit naomirainemusic.com.

                                                                                                # # #

[tenthchildinc]

Love Without A Target When I was a little girl growing up in Tulsa, Oklahoma I lived on a street called Garrison Place. This street was full of neighbors who knew who I was and to whom I belonged. The majority of families was similar to our family by having both parents and at least one daughter in the house. A house with multiple siblings was a plus, especially sisters because that meant that I wouldn’t be asked to leave the boys room, or told not to climb a tree, or host solo tea parties in my room. Daddy was always very protective of me. He always had an eye on who was close, who would walk passed the living room to get to the bathroom near my room (to ensure there were no detours) or even who picked me up as a kid. I can recall people picking me up and shortly being taken from them soon after. I meant everything to him and he meant everything to me, He always wanted a girl. The story goes something like this: When your mother went into labor with you we lost 3 boys and 4 girls prior. When we heard that you were not going to make it I had enough of seeing your mother’s heart break and our expectations crumble. And I knew at some point I would have to make a change in my heart in order for you to live. So I told God that if you would just let this one live that I’ll live… for YOU. So in essence my birthday can be viewed as the day that my father gave his life to Christ and gave me the name Faith. This story has always meant a lot me and to this day even more. Because I was introduced to love that day. A self sacrificing love that I can only equate to Jesus Christ’s love for me. From that day on my Dad would cover me, father me, discipline me, forgive me, shepherd me, and ultimately serve me. He was my miracle predestined. He loved me so much and in return I honored and revered him. I wasn’t the perfect kid, but when I learned how to make him proud it became my discipline. Imagine this…. A boy (my father) created from broken parents, an alcoholic mother and an absent father. Forced to run away with his brother to an older Aunt and Uncle who fathered him to wholeness. He never had a family until he created his own, He worked, provided, and took care of his aunt and uncle until they passed and suffered the loss of seven children. By all intensive purposes there should be no love or faith in God. In fact no faith in people, words, or deeds. But when God blessed my father with the love of his life (my mother), My father knew there had to be God and a plan for his life. My father went on to take on hobbies that treasure life and memories of others. He was an avid artist using pencils and shadowing to create replicas of images. No tracing allowed OH NO! He could see an image in front of him and sketch it to life. I can see him now in his self made studio (our den) with the light on, his glasses to the tip of his nose, music playing leaning into his work on the all white architectural desk. He would moisten the tip of the pencil and smear in features to the face and create dimensions to hair or even patterns on a shirt. He was his happiest when he was doing what he loved in a house with the woman and children he loved. My father was quiet yet friendly. He was loyal. He was a good, good father. And on September 4, 2019 my father became my angel. Since his passing I have struggled with God’s work. Anyone who is feeling this kind of pain can recommend plenty of candidates deserving of death like sex offenders, elder abusers, murderers and so on… I have felt robbed, unimportant, disregarded, and hurt. Why my Daddy, Why my home, Why not 55 years of Marriage, WHY? But then I think of what Daddy is feeling. No pain, No stress, no disappointment, no more goodbyes and FREEDOM from this world into eternity with Jesus Christ. He gets to be the target of God’s love forever!!!! It’s something to envy right? I would not trade his span of life for anything in this world. My father gave my mother and all of us the best he could give. He gave 100% of himself and shared everything with his family. One of the most unselfish men in my lifetime. He was an era. I will forever cherish him. A few years ago I was invited to record a song by Marvin Sapp written by Kirk Franklin that says: How kind of God to think of me To plan each step so patiently To rewrite dreams I thought I’d lost Love on the cross How kind of God How kind of God to bring me pain For there are things in me that pain can change I’m not fond of tears or how much they cost But if the hurt is worth the price for what I lost How kind of God Love on the cross How kind of God How kind of God to think of me To plan my steps so patiently To give me dreams I thought I’d lost Love on the cross, tell How kind of God But if the hurt is worth the price for what I’ve lost Say with me how kind of God How kind of God to think of me Hallelujah To plan my steps so patiently To rewrite dreams To give me dreams I thought I’d lost Love on the cross How kind of You to be A King between two thieves You hung there just for me Love on the cross Cause when You gave Your life You opened up my eyes Cause pain it purifies Love on the cross No greater love for me I’m not what I should be But now I see Love on the cross How kind of God And if the hurt is worth the price for all I’ve lost How kind of God To be considered by God is the opposite of unimportant or forgotten. The more I lean into God to cope with the loss of my father I am reminded more and more how much HE loves me, all of us. This is a season that my father prayed for. He prayed a prayer in my home and as he passed from this life to the next. He prayed that I would feel the love that God has for me and know it/be confident in it to a point of not mistaking it for something else. He prayed that my love would have a target as I learn to live with his absence. Grief = Love without a target My father is with me everywhere I go. My discipline to make him proud is still strong, I am more determine to keep him smiling from Heaven. No wonder this is so hard. My plans, my achievements, my wedding was never without his presence but it was never meant to be currency in exchange for his healing either. You see I made a commitment to God on Sept 4th to live on this side of heaven while he lives on the other side in eternity and so we live…  To anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one you are not alone. Whether living or deceased, present or absent, sane or mental, just know that nothing about your circumstance is a surprise to God. The more you lean into him the more you will learn God’s character and HIS intent for your life and those you grieve. Their victory may not be your version of victory but nonetheless VICTORY. And if you had to choose suffering or Victory for those you love I’m sure you would choose VICTORY. God will not put anymore on you than you can bare. Seek help, therapy, counseling to make sense of it all… trust me I’m right here with you and it’s helping me cope with recent and past loss. One day at a time and some days one moment at a time…. Your Grace, Your Pace

[womenofcolor15]

Kanye West Gifts Fans With ‘Sunday Service: Jesus is Born' Album For Christmas

Kanye West laced his fans with a musical gift to celebrate Christmas. He dropped his Sunday Service: Jesus Is Born album. Get into the spirit with Ye and his Sunday Service choir inside…

  JESUS IS BORN | 3 PM EST

(Via @bukonvict) pic.twitter.com/UUypduwleI

— TeamKanyeDaily (@TeamKanyeDaily) December 25, 2019

  Kanye West is continuing his spiritual journey. And he’s gifting his fans some spiritual vibes so they can join him. On Christmas, the Chi-town rapper released his new Sunday Service Choir album titled, Jesus Is Born. It’s the follow-up to his religious-themed album, Jesus Is King, which is his first LP he dropped after declaring he would no longer be making secular music.

The Sunday Service Choir director Jason White announced the album was on the way on Christmas Eve:

  “Sunday Service Collective, ‘Jesus Is Born’ will drop on Christmas Day.” - Choir Director Jason White tonight. pic.twitter.com/uVAoZhr6st

— TeamKanyeDaily (@TeamKanyeDaily) December 25, 2019

  Jesus Is Born features 19 tracks sung by the Sunday Service Choir. They do covers to some staple gospel tracks like Kirk Franklin’s “Rain,” "There Is A Balm in Gilead,” and “How Excellent Is They Name.” He shortened the titles of the songs on his official tracklist. The SSC also give gospel interpretations of some of Ye’s tracks from his Life of Pablo album, including "Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1" and "Ultralight Beam."

  Tracklist. #JesusIsBorn pic.twitter.com/N7hD4l9J6v

— TeamKanyeDaily (@TeamKanyeDaily) December 25, 2019

  You can stream Jesus Is Born on Apple Music, Spotify, TIDAL and other platforms.

Before dropping the new album...

        View this post on Instagram

                  Christmas Eve 2019

A post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Dec 26, 2019 at 7:32am PST

  Ye's wife Kim Kardashian West shared family flicks of them on Christmas Eve, which included all the kiddies - North, Saint, Chicago & Pslam West. Cute.

  The West’s pic.twitter.com/nV873BaGuB

— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) December 26, 2019

Photo: Kim's IG

  [Read More ...] source http://theybf.com/2019/12/26/kanye-west-gifts-fans-with-%E2%80%98sunday-service-jesus-is-born-album-for-christmas

[coille-sunmane]

Tag Meme

Tagged by @didi-is-a-lamer 

Nickname: Caylen though online I like Cayl

Zodiac: Scorpio for Greek, Reed for Celtic (it follows Welsh myth more specifically, though I think there are some things that are a little more universal about it), Monkey for Chinese. Height: 5′7″ Time: 8:30pm Favorite Band/Artist: Rise Against and Panic! At the Disco

A Song Stuck in My Head: Revolution by Kirk Franklin, just listened to a podcast talking about Kirk Franklin and this song is a bop Last Movie I Watched: How to Train Your Dragon 3, I think Last Thing I Googled: Sufficiently Advanced Magic. It’s an audio book I’ve been enjoying at a coworker’s suggestion and was looking up a cover for it to send to my boyfriend to share with someone he knows who likes science fantasy. Other Blogs: I used to have a politics one, but it seemed kinda pointless so it’s gone. Do I Get Asks: Not really. Every once in forever I get one. Why Did I Choose My Username: My original username was Cieatix, which was the Nobody version of my dead name, and I don’t want that. I was also watching BananaFish at the time I was trying to decide on a new name, and feel like I kinda look like Ash, so fuck it, I combined a common user handle I like based on my legal name “Cayl” and “Ash” after Ash from BananaFish. Following: 192, but an overwhelming majority of those are either mutuals’ side blogs or inactive blogs from both before and after the purge. Average Sleep Time: Around 7 hours on most weeknights, I can usually get 8 or 9 on the weekend, and on bad nights during the week 6. Lucky Number(s): I like even numbers.

What I’m Wearing: A Captain America tank top and boxer shorts with sail boats all over them.

Dream Job: Something that makes me happy and I don’t hate. Alternatively, something I can do from home that also I don’t hate. Dream Trip: Back to Scotland on my own schedule and time so I can actually spend time and visit more than I did when I was with a tour group. Favorite Food: Cheese Instruments I Play: I used to play piano. I even won an award for competitions, but that was years ago and I can’t really do it anymore. Eye Color: Gray-Blue Hair Color: Red-Blond-Brown. Aesthetic(s): -Sunlight breaking through the clouds, it looks heavenly -Nature in general, but most any natural image of animals, also farms  -Running animals -Fantasy creatures integrated into nature

Languages: English. Working on Irish Gaeilge, and trying my hardest with Scottish Gàidhlig, but it’s much harder since it’s not on Duolingo so I’m having to Frankenstein my lessons together on my own. Most Iconic Song: Like? idk, I love Miss Jackson by Panic! At the Disco. Random Fact: My head hair is a dirty blond with small bits of red, but my facial hair is way red with bits of brown. Also by elbows are double jointed and it creeps people out Tagging: Whoever wants to do this, take it away. Tag me so I can see it!