Yes, you got that right another “new” series. This series though, is going to be fun and for the most part the posts will be short and sweet. You see I have questions, but often I don’t have a lot of questions and in this case I just have one question.

Today our subject is Mary J. Blige’s classic cover of “Sweet Thing” originally recorded in 1975 by Rufus feat. Chaka Khan. So in many ways we have a song that has become classic material in two separate eras. In many ways the success of “Sweet Thing” in the early 90′s could very well be attributed to the widespread curiosity and appreciation of parent’s or older siblings record collections from the 1970′s. In fact leading up to 1992 a resurgence in popularity for the films and music (and in some cases fashion) had begun in earnest. (more…)

Written by Stevie Wonder/Clarence Paul and Morris Broadnax and definitively recorded by The Queen of Soul this might be one of my favorite recordings from that 1970′s wellspring of Soul known as Atlantic Records. I love the Funk Brothers, Booker T. Steve Cropper, Duck Dunn and Al Jackson Jr., and Muscle Shoals backing bands as much as anyone but the folks that show up on some of those Atlantic recording dates like this one… (more…)

Nothing excites me more than seeing iconic artists reinventing themselves and cultivating their relevance through the medium of music and technology!! When I heard about Billboard Magazine’s Star Tribute issue coming together with the 60th birthday of the ten-time GRAMMY® Award winning songstress, Chaka Khan, I couldn’t contain myself. Now you may ask, “what’s the big fuss?” Well, this issue is more than just a simple spread. It is the first issue published by Billboard Magazine that features “Augment Reality” through Printergize, a new and creative way of linking traditional print media with ones online marketing efforts. With this app you simply scan the target object and watch the content take on a life of its own. The awesome thing about this innovation is its utilization of mobile technology that engages the audience in a unique fashion.

Also, this mobile app will go directly to www.chakakhan.com, where fans will see Chaka introduce her 100 Days of Chaka campaign, which marks the 100 days from her birthday (March 23) to the anniversary of the release of her first recorded album with Rufus, Rufus (July 1, 1973) 40 years ago. This app will also highlight a timeline that will commemorate a series of historic moments in Chaka’s career, mixed with celebratory current events. The 100 Days of Chaka culminates with the release of The iKhan Project: Alive! The Commemorative Edition, in stores July 2nd. This CD and DVD project will be recorded the same way Chaka recorded her first album. “I want to experience the magic I felt 40 years ago when I recorded my first record,” says Chaka. “The thrill of recording with all the musicians in one room, the interaction with the producer and the spontaneous moments of the experience.”

So don’t miss out on this great mix of innovation and music engagement from Chaka Khan. The Billboard Magazine Star Tribute issue is now out on newsstands! Go check it out!

For all my Incognito fans, you are going to get a kick out of the news I got for you!!! UK music sensation and pioneer Bluey of Incognito has his “first solo album” out on March 26th called “Leap of Faith” on Shanachie Records featuring all originals. If you absolutely can’t wait for the official release, we have the music stream “hook up” and his latest music video Got To Let My Feelings Show for your pleasure. Plus, Bluey will bring his legendary sound on tour with Incognito and Maysa appearing in the following cities:

March 28 & 29, 2013-Center Stage-Atlanta, GA

March 30, 2013-Fox Theatre-Detroit, MI

April 2 & 3, 2013-BB Kings-New York, NY

April 4, 2013-Rams Head On Stage-Annapolis, MD

April 5, 2013-The Howard Theatre-Washington, DC

April 6, 2013-Berks Jazz-Reading, PA

From The Press Release (more…)

(Los Angeles, CA – February 14, 2013) –Ten-time GRAMMY® Award winner Chaka Khan announces today the release of two versions of her first single, “It’s Not Over,” featuring GRAMMY® Award-winning recording artist LeCrae, available on iTunes February 14 with all other digital retailers to follow. Produced by Theron “Neffu” Feemster, “It’s Not Over” includes an urban version and the Papercha$er pop dance remix. Both versions of “It’s Not Over” will be included on The iKhan Project: Commemorative Limited Edition, which will be available in stores on April 30, 2013. This CD is the first installment of Chaka’s iKhan Project series.

Purchase “It’s Not Over” on iTunes

This year, 2013, marks the 40th anniversary of Chaka’s career in music and entertainment. The year-long celebration will include the release of a series of new albums, titled the iKhan Project. The iKhan Project series will include recorded music in eight genres, including R&B, jazz, pop, rock, gospel, country, classical and dance music. Currently, Chaka is in the studio recording her jazz album, which is scheduled for release Summer 2013 on Blue Note Records. (more…)

Chaka Khan

Hola, my fellow Grown Folks!!! It’s you’re favorite “concert traveler” here with some news you absolutely must use!! Ten-time GRAMMY^® Award winner Chaka Khan is touring Europe and Asia October – November 2012. Chaka will join the David Foster and Friends tour in November.

Also, next year, 2013 will mark the 40^th anniversary of Ms. Khan’s career in music and entertainment. What does this mean, family???? It means Chaka Khan is working “them” pipes in the studio to bring us some BRAND NEW MUSIC!!! Can the church say AMEN!!!  The release will include a gospel and jazz project, an international and US tour and several other key events.

“Being in the studio makes me very happy,” says Chaka. “I am so excited about the new music and the direction on this project.  We are having a super great time on tour and the opportunity to connect with my fans is one of the greatest gifts ever.”

Check out Chaka Khan’s tour dates below and for more information,visit her at www.chakakhan.com and follow her on Twitter @chakakhan. (more…)

Mary J. Blige tearing the house down at Chastain Park (Atlanta)

I got a question for you!

Do you wanna be liberated??

I need the hands of the church lifted if you truly wanna be liberated!! If this call is for you, let us liberate you with some shots from the Liberation Tour. Sporting an edgy look with her partial blond hair, Melanie Fiona brought an energetic performance on stage. With an element of surprise, D’Angelo greeted the audience of Chastain Park while making his way on stage to give them exactly what they were waiting for. Last but not least, radiant in red, Mary J. Blige strutted on stage singing Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody” while the crowd grooved and sang along. Here are some of the pictorial highlights from the show. Hope you enjoy!

This is my personal favorite remake from Ms. Houston. It’s great to see the members of TLC early in their career jamming along with Ms. Chaka Khan…..and may I add that a pregnant Whitney Houston is absolutely gorgeous.

“I’m Every Woman” is available as a single and as part of “The Bodyguard” soundtrack. The original version by Chaka Khan is also available on “I’m Every Woman: Best Of”.