Rapper Kendrick Lamar delivers quick, nimble rhymes over this funky, bass heavy track. Rumors surfaced weeks ago about a new album in the works. We’ll have to wait and see what transpires.

Singer/songwriter Tinashe is busy preparing her long awaited sophomore effort “Joyride”, which is the follow up to “Nightride.” She continues to solidify her positon as one of the hottest new artists in the industry today. She has a bright future ahead of her.

Happy birthday

Remembering singer Willie Albert “Al” Goodman (March 31, 1943-July 26, 2010-The Moments/Ray, Goodman & Brown)

Musician Herbert “Herb” Alpert 82

Today, singer/songwriter La’Porsha Renae releases her debut album “Already All Ready” via Motown Records. The 13 track album is proceeded by the single “Good Woman”, which is currently No. #7 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart. The album features production from Ne-Yo, Harmony “H-Money” Samuels, Edgar “JV” Etienne and others. “Already All Ready” showcases La’Porsha’s powerhouse and multifaceted vocals through genre-blending tracks that show her versatility as an innovative star who is definitely here to stay. Last night, singer Tinashe let it burn with the first televised performance of her new single “Flame” on “The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon.” Decked out in a shiny red bubble coat over a tight, red crop top and ripped jeans, the songstress rocked the studio stage in front of a large assortment of candles and red lighting as she belted out the infectious anthem. Tinashe has been preparing for the release of her sophomore effort “Joyride”, which is the follow up to her surprise 2016 project “Nightride”, which set up the first half of the two part series. British singer Vanessa White is ready to flip the page to “Chapter Two.” Following the release of the singles “Good Good ” and “Low Key”, since the release of last year’s breakout EP “Chapter One”, the former member of the girl group The Saturdays, continues to impress with sultry, infectious R&B. Her new 7 track EP features 5 original songs along with two acoustic versions of the singles “Good Good” and “Running Wild.” The 3 brand new tracks showcase White’s gift for melody and vocal prowess. In addition to music, White has also received the support of the fashion world, having appeared on the covers of style bibles PAPER, Vogue, GQ, Harper’s Bazaar and ES Magazine, proving that she’s a star on the rise. New York City based singer/songwriter/model MAAD enters the music industry with her debut EP “LE FUNK.” Following a string of viral singles, in addition to praise from several magazines and websites, the new artist on the rise delivers her debut project, which she wrote  and produced with long time collaborators TheVAMP. The 7 track project features the singles “Touch Me”, featuring Ro James, “90’s Love”, “Black Ice”, and “Sweet &  Low”, plus the funky “Satisfied”, the dreamy “Lost Together” and the hypnotic retro dancefloor inspired “Stingy Lover.” Blending classic R&B and soul, MAAD showcases her versatility as a singer and songwriter. Rapper Remy Banks returns to his “Queens s**t” on his new EP “champ hoody music ep 1.” Native New Yorkers and hip hop fans beyond the East Coast will appreciate the 8 track set, which features guest appearances from World’s Fair MCs Cody B. Ware and Nasty Nigel along with California native Hodgy among others. Black Noi$e, Knxwledge, Cities Aviv, Stoney Willis and Samiyam handled the production. Banks stated that the soundscape the project creates is different from anything being done in hip hop today. Fans can stream “champ  hoody music ep 1” via Soundcloud.

Rapper Young MA is one of the most underrated rappers in the industry. She possesses a quick and nimble rhyme style that takes no prisoners. She definitely has a bright future ahead of her.

Singer/songwriter/producer Daron Jones remains one of the most underrated artists in the industry. In addition to being one fourth of the R&B group 112, Jones has written and produced hits for Usher, Pink, The Isley Brothers The Notorious B.I.G and others. Jones possesses a graceful tenor  which has an incredible range.

Happy birthday

Singer/songwriter Tracy Chapman 53

Rapper/entrepreneur/actor Stanley Kirk “MC Hammer” Burrell 55

Only days after unveiling the album cover and announcing a release date, singer Mary J. Blige took to social media to reveal the track listing and features on her highly anticipated new album “Strength Of A Woman.” Proceeded by the singles “Thick Of It” and “U + Me (Love Lesson)”, the 14 track project includes special guest appearances by Kanye West, Quavo  (Migos), DJ Khaled, Missy Elliott, Prince Charlez and Kaytranda. Much of the album was inspired by Blige’s divorce from her husband of 12 years, Kendu Isaacs. The project includes such poignant tracks as “Set Me Free”, “Indestructible”, “Survivor” and “Telling The Truth.” “Strength Of A Woman” will be released on April 28. Singer/songwriter/dancer/actor Usher is still mourning the loss of his stepson, who passed away in 2011. The R&B veteran took to social media yesterday to pay tribute to Kyle with a heartfelt letter on what would have been Kyle’s 16th birthday. Kyle was the son of Usher’s ex-wife Tamika Foster. Foster also took to social media to pay tribute to Kyle. Kyle was left brain dead due to injuries sustained  when an inner tube he was riding was hit by a jet ski. He was 11 when he died in 2011. Usher’s family friend, Jeffrey Hubbard, was found guilty of homicide by vessel in 2014, as well as injury by vessel and unlawful operation of a personal watercraft. He was sentenced to four years in prison, followed by 15 years probation. During the forthcoming episode of the Fox Television hit “Empire” titled “Strange Bedfellows”, which will air Wednesday,  Jussie Smollett, who portrays R&B singer Jamal Lyon, will perform his new single “I Got You” with Serayah, who portrays Tiana Brown on the series. The performance will take place during Hakeem’s (Bryshere Y. Gray a.ka. Yzz The Greatest) 21st birthday celebration. He will also perform on the number as well. The upbeat track provides a reassuring message for cuffing season. The episode will follow three different story lines, each filled with drama and unexpected plot  twists. While Angelo uncovers information regarding Cookie’s past, Anika and Tariq make a life changing decision as Hakeem’s birthday bash takes a surprising turn. Red Stripe Beer and music/entertainment technology firm SUM Entertainment are the principles behind Ignite Urban. The new digital A&R platform has entered the talent competition ranks, giving Pop, R&B, and Reggae artists an opportunity to win a recording contract as well as work with three top producers. Signing on as Ignite Urban’s artist ambassador is rapper/songwriter Nelly. Nelly said in a statement that Ignite Urban is a wonderful platform for aspiring artists to enter the music industry and he’s happy to help mentor future artists. Other artists, songwriters and executives who will provide insight are Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of Run-DMC, songwriter/producer Daryl Simmons, Dwayne Wiggins of Tony, Tone, Toni, Johnny Gill, Midnight Star and Beenie Man. Contestants will get an opportunity to perform at Red Stripe sponsored concerts and local “I Do Music” events produced by Ignite Urban and Atlanta’s Patchwerk Recording Studios. Giving young aspiring artists an opportunity is a wonderful gesture. Good luck to all!

Atlanta rapper 2 Chainz collaborates with Ty Dolla $ign, Trey Songz and Jhene Aiko on this club banger. The quartet’s chemistry is captivating as they trade verses throughout the track.

Singer/songwriter John Legend continues to solidify his position as one of the hottest artists in the industry. Fans can catch the singer when he tours to support his latest album “Darkness & Light.”