It is time once again for the Mystery Roach Covers Show. This Saturday, August 28, I’ll be playing original tracks from the 50s, 60s or 70s and also the cover versions from any decade and style.

If you have any requests or suggestions, post them here, on the Facebook fan page, or email them to me. I will be finalizing the playlist on Friday afternoon.

Below are the playlists from the previous two years to give you an idea of what this year’s show will be like.

Tune in to Mystery Roach, every Saturday from 8-10am on WKNC for Progressive, Fusion, Psychedelic, Garage and noise from the 60s and 70s. (This week the 50s are fair game as well.)

Cheers.

-La Barba Rossa

2009 Show

2008 Show

Tonight, 8/21 on “Real RnB Radio,” R&B singer Marcus Allen will be visiting the studio on 88.1FM WKNC.

The Summerville, SC, native is poised to take over the male R&B scene with his infectious melodies, soulful delivery, and powerful voice.

The South Carolina Music Award winner has already received international success on the Japanese and European charts and has been featured on a number of major tours.

Tune in at 10:30 p.m. for our live interview with the rising star. To find out more about Marcus Allen, visit here or follow him on twitter. Check out some of his latest music below.

“Real RnB Radio” with host Mir.I.am airs Saturdays from 10 p.m.-12 a.m.

Charlotte native, Bettie Grind is storming the music scene with his hit single “Dammit I’m Fly” and latest Mixtape, I Am G’Sus. The rapper, who many call the King of the Carolinas, is determined to make his mark in the industry and bring the much needed and deserved attention to the region.

For more information on Bettie visit his official website and follow him on twitter.

Princess of So So Def Records, Dondria will also be calling in at 9pm to “Real RnB Radio” in celebration of the release of her debit album, Dondria vs. Phatfffat. The soon to be released album features the hit singles, “You’re The One” and “Shawty Wus Up”.

Originally discovered on YouTube, Dondria is fastly becoming one of R&B’s most promising stars, with her soulful voice and impassioned delivery.

In case you missed our last interview with the R&B sensation, listen here.

To find about more about Dondria and to hear her music connect with her on  MySpace, YouTube, Facebook, or follow her on Twitter.

“Real RnB Radio” with host Mir.I.am airs Saturdays from    8-11pm.

North Carolina’s own Jason Jetplane is a breath of fresh air to the world of music. His music is soulful, it’s R&B, it’s universal, it’s relatable,  it’s honest, it’s young, it’s fun! It’s what we need to hear more of.

Jetplane’s refreshing approach, musical sincerity and exciting production give him an edge up on the competition.

Vocally he could be compared, Musiq Soulchild and John Legend, but be clear,  Jetplane’s  style and voice is all his own. Musically, along with Janelle Monae, Jetplane’s sound is genre-bending, with its mass appeal and could be played on a number of formats.

Not only is Jetplane a singer, he writes, produces, arranges and engineers his own music, similar to R&B genius Ryan Leslie. With talented young upcoming acts such as Jetplane, the future of R&B shows great promise.

Find out more about Jason Jetplane on MySpace, Twitter, Facebook and ReverbNation.

Check out the exclusive Q&A Real RnB Radio conducted with the multi-talented singer below:

*Congratulations to Jason Jetplane on his recent win for “Best Male R&B Artist” at the 2010 Carolina Music Awards.

On 6/26, Mir.I.am had the chance to talk with R&B legend T-boz of the number one selling female group of all time, TLC, to discuss the first anniversary of Michael Jackson death and his contributions to the entertainment world.

T-boz, along with countless others, was deeply influenced and inspired by Jackson and called in to give her thoughts on the music icon.

In the revealing interview, T-boz explains the indelible imprint that Michael Jackson has left on music, society as a whole, and herself personally.

T-boz also recollects what it was like meeting Michael Jackson for the first time, shares her favorite songs and videos, and explains what Michael’s overall legacy should represent.

Check out the interview below and feel free to leave a comment.

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“Real RnB Radio” with host Mir.I.am airs weekly from 8-11pm.

Tonight on “Real RnB Radio”, Tionne “T-boz” Watkins, 1/3 of the number one selling female group of all time, TLC, will be calling in to share her favorite memories of the Iconic and Legendary, Michael Jackson.

T-boz, like many, was heavily inspired and influenced by Jackson, who passed away almost exactly one year ago.

We’ll find out from T-boz what Michael meant to her personally, meeting him for the first time, and his overall lasting legacy.

Tune in to “Real RnB Radio” as we the celebrate the life of the greatest entertainer to ever live. This exclusive can only be heard tonight 6/26 from 9-10pm on 88.1FM WKNC or streamed live at www.wknc.org/listen.

Also don’t miss Mir.I.am give her predictions for the BET Awards airing 6/27 at 8pm on BET.

“Real RnB Radio” airs weekly from 9-11pm.

Even though you may not be able to catch the Rockabilly Hour every Sunday (GO PACK BASEBALL!), you sure can check out these great events going on this week!

This Thursday, 6/3: REVEREND HORTON HEAT with Cracker and the Legendary Shack Shakers at the Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro (I will also be celebrating my birthday there that night!)

Also, on Saturday, June 5 ROAD RASH, at Puckett’s in Charlotte… the first annual car show with some great bands…

I will be there admiring the hot rods and the great music!

<3 always,

Laurie Lu

The Rockabilly Hour

Sundays, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

rockabilly@wknc.org

On Saturday, 5/22, Mir.I.am had the opportunity to speak with multi-platinum R&B legend Case.  In the engaging interview, Case revealed the reason behind his 8 year absence from music, the benefits and disadvantages of going independent, the shooting accident that almost ended his life, and much more.

In the twenty minute interview, Case also describes how involved he was in the writing and production of his latest album The Rose Experience and how he’s already working on the album’s follow up.

Most known for hit singles “Touch Me Tease Me”, “Missing You”, and “Happily Ever After”, some would classify Case’s signature sound as romantic soul with a touch of hip-hop.

Find out more about Case here and on twitter.

Check out clips of the interview below in case you missed it.

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“Real RnB Radio“ formerly known as “Saturday Night Soul and R&B” airs every Saturday night from 9-11pm.

This saturday, May 22nd, from 9-11pm, multi-platinum R&B sensation Case will be calling in for an interview with Mir. I.am on “Real RnB Radio”. 

Tune in as we discover the reason behind Case’s 8 year absence from the music industry, the accident that nearly ended his life, his thoughts on current R&B music and much more.

Most known for classic R&B jams, “Touch Me, Tease Me”, “Happily Ever After”, “Faded Pictures” and the #1 single “Missing You”, Case is now back with his forth album The Rose Experience.  Released last March, The Rose Experience, featuring smash single “Lovely”, shows that Case been able to adapt and bring a current, fresh approach to his music, while remaining true to his signature sound.  

For more information on the R&B star, visit here and follow Case on twitter.

“Real RnB Radio“, formerly known as “Saturday Night Soul and R&B” airs weekly from 9-11pm.

Tonight, on “Saturday Night Soul and R&B”, the legendary R&B group and kings of slow jams, H-Town will be calling in to 88.1FM WKNC, to discuss their new music and latest projects.

Tune in from 9 to 11 p.m. to hear the now-duo explain their six-plus year absence from the industry, thoughts on todays R&B music, dealing with the passing of member Dino and more.

Best known for their hit singles ”Knockin Da Boots”, “Emotions” and ”Part Time Lover”, the multi-platinum 90’s group is poised to make a comeback with new single “Knockin Your Heels”, from their forthcoming album, Child Support.

For more information on H-Town, visit here and on twitter.

“Saturday Night Soul and R&B” with host Mir.I.am airs weekly from 9 to 11 p.m.

All this week, WKNC will be giving away tickets for the “Legalize It 2010″ tour featuring Slightly Stoopid as well as Cypress Hill and Collie Buddz.  The show will take place at the Raleigh Amphitheatre on Wednesday, July 28.  Listeners can call in to win when the DJ asks for it.

Courtesy www.slightlystoopid.com

Listen to Mystery Roach this Saturday May 1 from 8-10 am.  In recognition of Free Comic Book Day — May 1 — join us as we explore all things comic books!  Comics collector Don X will be here to discuss obscure comics characters from the Seventies, the “secret origin” of a comics collector, and how comics of the Sixties and Seventies planted the seeds for today’s comic storylines.

Should be a fun show.  Talk to you then.

-La Barba Rossa

So So Def’s newest artist R&B singing sensation Dondria was a recent guest on “Saturday Night Soul and R&B”.In the compelling interview, Dondria discusses her rise to fame via youtube, her new albumDondria Vs. Phatfffat, new single “You’re The One”, her love for Chipotle and much more.

In case you missed it, check out the interview below and leave your thoughts.

To find about more about Dondria and to hear her music visit here or follow her on Twitter.

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Dondria discusses how she was discovered on youtube.
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Dondria discusses how she promotes her talent over her sexuality.

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Dondria discusses how social networking can benefit the industry.

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Dondria defines her definition of success.

“Saturday Night Soul and R&B” with host Mir.I.am airs weekly from 9 to 11 p.m.

88.1 Pick of the Week
Still Standing
Monica

In the three years since Monica Arnold’s last album, The Makings of Me, R&B music has become increasingly watered down, and drifted further away from its soulful origins.  With her latest release, Still Standing, the Grammy award winner has helped to bring R&B back to its strong roots, where the focus is on vocal ability, meaningful lyrical content, and dynamic production.

We were first introduced to a 14-year-old Monica back in 1995, with the sassy, “Don’t Take It Personal” from her Debut album, Miss Thang. Since then, she has remained one the most consistent and powerful singers to emerged in the past 20 years. Still Standing chronicles the joys and sorrows of love, life and relationships and reminds us why Monica has been able to achieve such longevity in her career.

We begin the album with its title track, “Still Standing” featuring rapper Ludacris. The hard hitting anthem is a testament of Monica’s strength and resilience, despite life’s obstacles and trials. It’s one of the albums best and sets the tone for the emotional journey that is Still Standing.

Next up is, the Los Da Mystro produced piano driven, “One in A Lifetime”, where Monica stresses the importance of appreciating that rare love and recognizing it before its too late. “One In A Lifetime” is followed by, “Stay Or Go”. The Neyo penned tune has Monica demanding an answer from an indecisive lover as to whether or not he wants to be with her.  On both up-tempo tracks and throughout the album, Monica sings with an intensity and urgency that penetrates the soul.

Stand outs on the album include, the sample heavy, Missy Elliot produced “Everything”, which samples Deniece Williams R&B classic “Silly” and “If You Were My Man”, sampled from Evelyn “Champagne” King’s, “Betcha She Don’t Love You”. On the albums first single,” Everything” Monica proclaims how her love means the world to her and on the up-tempo “If You Were My Man”, she boast of how good her love is to prospective mate.

Although Still Standing is very strong, it does not go without its share of missteps, including the generic and gimmicky, “Super Man”, where Monica croons how she will be her mans Lois Lane. Never fear, Monica shines on the other slower songs, showcasing her vocal prowess on the sensual “Here I Am”, the inspiring “Believe In Me”, and the Jermaine Dupri helmed “Love All Over Me”, where Monica explains the feeling of being covered in love. On another gem, the  radio friendly mid-tempo urban pop “Mirror”, Monica relays how she has discovered that love and not material things makes life worth living.

Overall, Still Standing is a well balanced and cohesive collection of what we’ve come to expect from Monica, impassioned delivery and relatable music. What separates Monica from her female counterparts is her ability to tackle material with emotion, conviction and a sense of sincerity. Monica proves that she is able to remain current and relevant, while bringing a sense of maturity and timelessness to her music, which is why, in a fickle industry, she is Still Standing.

For more information on Monica visit here and follow her on twitter.

88.1 WKNC DJ Pick of the Week is published in every Thursday print edition of the Technician, as well as online at technicianonline.com and wknc.org.

“Saturday Night Soul and R&B” with host Mir.I.am airs weekly from 9 to 11 p.m.

The Princess of So So Def records, YouTube singing sensation, Dondria aka Phatfffat will be interviewed on ”Saturday Night Soul and R&B” this coming Saturday 4/17. Tune in to hear Dondria discuss her new single “You’re The One”, upcoming album Dondria Vs. Phatfffat, working with Jermaine Dupri and so much more.

Originally discovered on YouTube, Dondria is fastly becoming one of R&B’s most promising stars, with her soulful voice and empassioned delivery.

To find out more about Dondria visit here or here and follow her on twitter.

“Saturday Night Soul and R&B” with host Mir.I.am airs weekly from 9 to 11 p.m.