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.

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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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.

TLC

Last night on “Saturday Night Soul and R&B”, I had the pleasure of speaking with Chilli of the Grammy award winning, legendary and iconic R&B trio, TLC.

In the revealing interview, we discussed her new reality show, “What Chilli Wants,” her relationship with ex-flame R&B singer Usher, her love for Michael Jackson and so much more. In case you missed it, check out the interview below or download it here.

Part I: Chilli discusses her wants and needs in a relationship.

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Part II: Chilli answers if there’s any chance of reconciliation with ex-love Usher.

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Part III: Chilli discusses her love for Michael Jackson and how the two first met.

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Part IV: Chilli answers a question from one of her biggest fans and gives final shout-outs.

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“What Chilli Wants” premieres tonight on VH1 AT 10:30 p.m.

Follow Chilli, host at Mir.I.am and special guest co-host Allisha and Blair on Twitter.

Special thanks to Christal of Enchanted PR.

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

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Tune in Saturday night, June 27, as 88.1 FM WKNC pays tribute to the most successful recording artist in the history of music, with over 750 millions albums sold, the legendary, the incomparable, Michael Jackson.

Join me, Mir.I.am and other special guest co-hosts, from 8 to 11 p.m. on “Saturday Night Soul and R&B” as we reminisce on our favorite memories of the ICON. Listen, as we reflect on Michael’s  influence on music, fashion and pop culture. We will also reveal little known facts about the 13-time Grammy Award Winner and discuss the media coverage and speculation surrounding his untimely passing.

As Jackson’s music was the soundtrack to many of our lives, expect to hear music from Hip-Hop and R&B artist directly influenced by him as well as our favorite hits.

Immediately following “Saturday Night Soul and R&B’, stay tuned for the “2.0 show” with D Cutta, as he mixes four hours of non-stop MJ classics from the past 40 years.

Help us celebrate the life of the most influential, inspirational and innovative singer in the HISTORY of music. R.I.P to the greatest entertainer of all time. His legacy will forever live on.

Share you favorite MJ memories here.

Chrisette Michele: Epiphany
Released 5/5/09
4.5/5 stars

For many artists, the sophomore album is a crucial one. If its predecessor was a hit, the bar is set high, but if it was a flop, this album could feasibly make or break their career. Many artists have fallen into the curse that is the “sophomore jinx,”  but Chrisette Michele manages not only to meet the bar, she exceeds all previous expectations with Epiphany.

With Epiphany, Chrisette’s traditional vocal stylings have evolved into a more well-rounded R&B sound, retaining the jazz influences from her debut album,  I am, yet adding more of a modern, urban, youthful vibe. Epiphany mainly focuses on the joys and sorrows love brings from the viewpoint of a strong, independent woman, with a fragile heart.

 The first single “Epiphany,” bearing the albums title, begins with “It’s
over.” The Ne-Yo-produced piano driven single describes how Michele has
finally come to an important realization and decides that it’s time to
leave an unhealthy relationship. It is the perfect opening to a stellar
album.

Following “Epiphany” is the beautifully written ballad “Notebook,”
describing how Michele is afraid to tell a prospective mate that she has
a crush and instead opts to confide in the pages of her notebook.

The album hit’s its stride with “Blame It on Me,” in which Michele
is at her finest vocally, confessing that she doesn’t care who takes the blame
for a failed relationship “as long as it’s over.”

Next is “All I Ever Think About.” Its old school R&B vibe, heavy bass and impassioned vocals make it the album’s best, as Michele bares her heart and soul over an imperfect relationship, which in fact is quite perfect.

Epiphany successfully moves from soulful melodies to urban-pop with
the acoustic guitar-ridden “Playin’ Our Song” and “On My Own.” The
former has Michele convincing herself that she’s fine after a breakup, but in reality she’s heartbroken, while the latter has Michele acknowledging its time to claim her independence and transform into a woman.

Many of the albums standouts were written and produced by R&B singer  Ne-Yo, including  “Porcelain Doll, “Another One” and “What You Do.” Chrisette is a modern day Billie Holiday on the feisty empowering, “Porcelain Doll”, proclaiming boldly that she is no one’s trophy. “Another One” echo’s the sentiments of the aforementioned, as Michele confesses that she’s a “grown woman, dealing with grown woman things”. And with “What You Do”, Michele makes it clear that actions speak louder than words. 

The majority of Epiphany consists of ballads and mid-tempos, but “Mr.Right” and “Fragile”, prove Michele she can successfully tackle up-tempo’s as well. The Doo-Wop, Hip-Hop and Lauryn Hill influenced “Mr. Right” finds Michele explaining how she has found the perfect person for her. “Fragile” and “I’m Okay” expose Michele’s vulnerabilities and express how love has hurt her.

Epiphany encompasses all the qualities needed to produce a classic album, with its colorful production, catchy melodies and complex vocal arrangements, thoughtful lyrical content and unique, edgy vocals. Chrisette Michele has truly reinvigorated the world of R&B music, as Ephiphany is one of the years best.

For more on Chrisette Michele click here.

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

On Saturday 5/30, I had the pleasure of speaking with Reigndrop Lopes, sister of the late Lisa “Left-eye” Lopes, of the legendary, Grammy award-winning,  multi-platinum group, TLC.

In the candid interview, Reigndrop talks about growing up with Left-eye, producing and being featured on Eye Legacy and  being the first lady of Hip-Rock .

Reigndrop also discusses “The Last Days of Left-eye” documentary, possible new TLC music and the purpose of the  Lisa Lopes Foundation.

Learn more about Reigndrop Lopes  here , listen to her music here and follow her on twitter.

Listen to the interview below:

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“Saturday Night Soul and R&B” airs weekly from 8 to 11 p.m. and features the best in R&B/Soul music from the past 20 years as well as today’s hits. Follow host Mir.I.am.

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Tune in for a special edition of “Saturday Night Soul and R&B” with special guest Reigndrop Lopes. Reigndrop is the sister of the late Lisa”Left-eye” Lopes, of the biggest selling female group of all time, TLC.

Tune in as we talk to Reigndrop about Lisa and also find out about her new solo Hip-Rock project. Find out more about Reigndrop here.

WKNC Pick of the Week 3/17

Every so often, music producers are able to make the transformation from behind the scenes to becoming a recording artist seamlessly. Such is the case with Ryan Leslie, who has emerged as a promising star in the R&B world, releasing what will be called one of the best R&B albums of 2009, the self-titled Ryan Leslie.

Leslie, a Harvard University graduate by age 19, was first signed to Universal Records, in 2003, and later released 2 singles, “Used to Be” and “The Way That U Move Girl”. The singles failed to chart, and the album, Just Right was shelved indefinitely. Without support from his record label, the singer, song- writer, multi-instrumentalist and engineer began to produce for acts including Cassie, Danity Kane, and Beyonce with the proceeds financing his own project.

Ryan Leslie, the long awaited debut entirely mixed, produced, written and arranged by Leslie and kicks this off with the up-tempo synth-induced retro R&B sounding “Diamond Girl”. On the albums lead single, Leslie sings of how he’s found the one that’s he’s ready to “put the rock on”. On “Diamond Girl” and throughout the album, Leslie does his fair share of rapping and it works.

Next up is the second single, “Addiction” featuring Bad Boy artist Cassie and Fabolous, where Leslie, explains his obsession with a lady love. The live multilayered arrangement makes it one of the albums best.

Following “Addiction” is “You’re Fly”, an ode to a woman Leslie feels is the pinnacle of beauty. The cut is reminiscent production-wise of legendary R&B group Frankie Beverly and Maze with its catchy melody and guitar riffs.

“Quicksand”,” Valentine” and the piano drive “I.R.I.N.A” are stand outs on the album. “Quicksand”, a funky groove which sounds like a Neptunes production, has Leslie telling how he is “emotional” falling deeply in an inescapable love, while the Keyboard-driven “Valentine” has Leslie professing his love to a prospective mate. The organ influenced I.R.I.NA, Leslie explains how love has no language barrier.

On “Wanna Be Good” and “Just Right”, Leslie tries out his falsetto invoking the spirit of Curtis Mayfield, while proclaiming how he lives to please the perfect woman for him.

The hard-hitting third single, ”How It Was Supposed To Be”, Leslie asks questions of what could’ve and should’ve been with a relationship gone awry, while the more melancholy while “Out of the Blue” and “Shouldn’t Have to Wait” have a more bluesy vibe and conjure of feelings of infidelity and commitment.

Closing out the album is the very appropriately titled “Gibberish”, seeing as you can only understand every 10th word. Vocoder and finger snaps in tow, Leslie expresses the moments of speechlessness that may occur when we meet that special someone.

Ryan Leslie overall is a mid-tempo feel good album with tales love and longing, featuring a combination of live instrumentation and heavily synthesized tracks. And although Leslie may not display the vocal acrobatics of Maxwell, his fresh approach, multi-faceted production and engaging lyrics make him one of the best chances R&B music has to survive, but only if he continues marching to the beat of his own drum.

Fearless

Released 9/23/08 on J Records

Many have said that “Hip-Hop is dead” and that R&B is on life support, waiting for the plug to be pulled. Turning on the radio, you are likely to hear a singer with elementary lyrics and minimal vocal talent, using auto-tune. Enter Jazmine Sullivan, a complete departure to the aforementioned, hoping to take R&B back to its roots of powerful vocals,meaningful lyrics and stand-out production with her debut album Fearless. Sullivan, at the relatively young age of 21, is proving that she can help R&B to breathe on its own.

Like many legendary R&B/soul artists before her, including Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston and Marvin Gaye, Jazmine first began singing in the church choir at the tender age of 5. She later made her first television appearance on “Showtime at the Apollo” and at age 15 was signed to Jive Records. The stint at Jive didn’t last, but she did meet her mentor there. Missy Elliot, who executively produced Fearless, helped to create Sullivan’s style which encompasses elements of hip-hop, reggae, gospel and vintage soul.

Fearlessopens with the angry and embittered “Bust Your Windows”, a song that could have been written by Angela Bassett’s character, Bernadine from the movie “Waiting to Exhale”. It is the tale of the coming together of a broken heart, a crowbar and a nice car, which is never a good combination. Lyrically, it is what you would expect, but vocally Jazmine sings with such pain and conviction that you’ll want to pick up a crowbar and break someone’s windows.

Next up is the inspirational electro-pop synth-driven “Dream Big”, encouraging everyone to follow and take a chance on their dreams.  Following ”Dream Big”  is Jazmine’s number one debut single “Need U Bad” produced by Missy Elliot. The Caribbean/reggae-themed song and vocal arrangement brought many comparison to Lauryn Hill and could have easily been a bonus track from The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Though she writes and produces much of her music like Lauryn, this song is where the comparisons end.

“My Foolish Heart”, sampled from GZA of Wu-Tang Clan’s classic “Liquid Swords”, tells of the things one will do for love and brings a hip-hop element to the album. Next is the beautifully string-arranged “Lions, Tigers and Bears,” where Jazmine bears her soul and shows that that love is the one and only thing she fears.

This album wouldn’t be an R&B album without a song by production duo Stargate (“With You,” “Irreplaceable”) and Jazmine takes her turn with “Hurricane,” a song about the devastating effects love can have and the damage it often leaves behind.

The album does begin to wane a bit with “One Night Stand,” “Dream Big” and “Live a Lie.” Never fear, though, as morale begins to pick up as the album comes to a close with stand-outs including the piano driven “In Love with Another Man,” the truthful and honest “Fear” and whimsical “Switch.”

Ultimately, Fearlessis a solid start for a promising and gifted vocalist with a bright future ahead. Jazmine is a much needed departure from what has been polluting the airwaves. The 5 time Grammy nominee may be one of the few artists who can achieve longevity in the fickle music industry, but only if she continues to remain “Fearless.”

Find out more about Jazmine at www.jazminesullivanmusic.com

Jazmine Sullivan was featured as the 88.1 WKNC Pick of the Week on 10/7/08.

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

Last night WKNC took over Friday Night Request Rock & Chainsaw to bring you live coverage of night 1 of the Double Barrel Benefit #6 from the Pour House in downtown Raleigh.  The show was a success, a massive sellout with a tremendous crowd and kickass music.  As the show will more than likely sellout tonight as well, we will once again be broadcasting the entire show live (trumping Saturday Night Soul and R&B and D-Cutta’s 2.0 Show).

Broadcast starts after the Soulful Renaissance and will air until the completion of the concert.  If you can’t get to the Pour House, feel free to rock on with us tonight over your radio or internet connection.

Doors open at 8pm and get there early as there is a limited number of tickets available at the door.  The show starts at 9pm.

Tonight’s lineup includes: I Was Totally Destroying It, Violet Vector & the Lovely Lovelies, Birds of Avalon, & Polvo.