Snyp Luciano will be dropping by the studios of 88.1fm WKNC for an interview with Mir.I.am tonight, December 8th at 9:30 pm. Snyp has been making waves in the rap industry since 2005 as part of Monopolie Records and recently released a new mixtape, The Worst Nightmare.

Find out more about Snyp:

Youtube | Twitter | Facebook | ReverbNation |

Email: Roundtablemusicgroup@gmail.com

Check out the latest video from Snyp, ‘Carry Me Home,’ off The Worst Nightmare.

Fayetteville’s own, Yung Louie, will be dropping by the studios of 88.1fm WKNC for an interview with Mir.I.am tonight, November 3rd at 9:30 pm. The rapper is known for his “infectious hooks, straight to the point lyrics, and hypnotic beats.”

Check out the latest video from Louie, ‘Bands,’ which has gained over 1 Million views on Youtube and find the single on iTunes here.

North Carolina hip-hop collective Kooley High will be stopping by the WKNC studios tonight, Feb. 11, on Real RnB & Hip-Hop Radio. Tune in at 10 p.m. as Mir.I.am interviews Charlie Smarts, Tab-One, Rapsody, Foolery, The Sinopsis and Ill Digitz for the first time.

Kooley High recently released their sophomore album titled David Thompson after the great NC State basketball player. Find out more about the album here.

On Saturday, Oct. 8, I had the pleasure of attending the 2011 Teen Summit in Shelby, N.C. The Teen Summit is an annual event founded by Pat Houston with the purpose of helping “rebuild, restore and repair” the youth. I attended the powerful and much needed summit last year, but this year there was a special guest, the iconic and legendary Whitney Houston.

I had the opportunity to interview Houston briefly regarding her parenting style and the importance of being and having a mentor. I work in radio and was prepared to record the audio, but Houston and her team were uneasy about it and understandably so. Instead, I suggested doing it old-school with a paper and pen and all systems were a go.

_______________________

The interview:

On how proud she is of sister-in-law Pat Houston for the wonderful work she is doing for the teens:

“My brother was smart for choosing her. I know her as a woman of God, a mother, sister, a wife.” Whitney also went on to explain how she had an instant connection with Pat and expressed how much she loves her and supports her in all of her endeavors.

On encouraging the youth if they go astray:

“I believe that young people will make mistakes and when they do, don’t turn them away. We don’t want them to go to others because you don’t know what they might get from someone else.”

On proactively parenting:

“Keep an open eye. Let them know they can always come home. Keep telling them about the dangers. Love can cover a multitude of sins.”

When asked about those who may not have anyone to look up to:

“The FATHER I know didn’t leave me and will send you a mentor.”

She also went on to say that you are never too old to have a mentor and that if you need one, God will send one in your direction. She also elaborated that Kim Burrell was a God-sent mentor to her.

I told Houston that I see certain traits in Bobbi Kris that I also see in her including her zest for life, no nonsense attitude and spiritual nature. She smiled in agreement and insisted that she made sure to instill in her daughter “compassion, church, faith and hope.”

Houston also discussed adopting a son, Nicholas, over five years ago and the struggles of single parenthood. She also stressed the importance of parents being parents to their kids and not just their friend. She believes that you must set firm boundaries and enforce them.

That was all the time that we had. It was short and sweet, but I do not think this is the last I have seen of Houston. We will meet again. What a privilege to have met and interviewed someone I hold in such high regard. It was one of the crowning achievements in my life.

Interview wrap up and overall thoughts of Whitney Houston:

I have to say that Houston was very gracious, polite, humble and down to earth. She didn’t need a big fuss to be made about her. Her demeanor was quiet and unassuming, but her presence was strongly felt. She is very beautiful and her spirit is uplifting to be around. Anyone who is a fan of Whitney Houston knows that she is not a fan of interviews, but for her to say to me, “I don’t want to disappoint you,” while figuring out another way to conduct the interview instead of rejecting me altogether was very thoughtful.

– Other Whitney tidbits–

• I told her that her fans are loyal and love and pray for her. I also told her to never feel like people don’t care; she then looked at me, smiled and said, “Oh, I don’t feel that way at all, I know.”

• She is working on Sparkle, a movie loosely based on the story of the Supremes. She left the set in Detroit to come and had to return later that day.

Watch the video of Pat and Whitney Houston presenting Kim Burrell with the Ambassadors Award for her continued work with the Teen Summit.

Below is the extended audio of the above clip where Whitney and Pat introduce Kim Burrell. This also features Kim’s speech and a live performance. Excellent quality.

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My signed lanyard and T-shirt

Special thanks to Nippy Inc., Lynne, Ulysses and Pat Houston

Check back for Part Two of the Teen Summit wrap up, which will summarize the event as a whole and also feature an exclusive interview with Quinton Aaron of The Blind Side. In case you missed my exclusive photos, click here.

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The Foreign Exchange, popular Indie-Soul/R&B/Electronica/Hip-Hop duo will be calling in to “Real RnB Radio” on 10/16 in celebration of the release of their third album, Authenticity.

Authenticity, in stores 10/12, is the follow up to the Grammy-nominated and critically acclaimed Leave It All Behind, which featured hits “Daykeeper,” “All Or Nothing,” “Take Off The Blues,” and “I Wanna Know.”

The Foreign Exchange is comprised of Hip-Hop underground legend Phonte of Little Brother and Dutch producer/musician Nicolay. The duo met on the message boards of Okayplayer.com in 2002 and formed the group without having ever met, hence the name The Foreign Exchange.

Listen to “Real RnB Radio” with Mir.I.am for the live interview Saturday night at 10:30 p .m. ET on 88.1FM WKNC or stream live at www.wknc.org.

The Foreign Exchange will be having a listening party for Authenticity Sunday, October 17 at 7:00 p.m. at the Six Plates Wine Bar.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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