Singer Leaveil Degree (The  Whispers) 69

Verve Records signee Ledisi is currently preparing her ninth studio effort ‘Let Love Rule”, which is due September 22. Filled with raw emotion, the project showcases her evolution as an artist. Executive produced by Ledisi and her long time collaborator Rex Rideout, the project includes contributions from John Legend, DJ Camper, BJ The Chicago Kid and Kirk Franklin. The songstress’ classically trained voice remains the centerpiece, as the production moves between 70’s soul and modern R&B. The first single, “High”, promotes self-celebration, empowerment and heightened love. The powerful message emphasizes Ledisi’s powerful vocal performance. Written by Prince Charlez, Ledisi and Rex Rideout, “High” currently sits at #14 on the AUC and Billboard Adult R&B charts, earning airplay on SiriusSM Heart & Soul and Music Choice R&B/Soul. Ledisi recently completed a tour with Maxwell, which visited New York, Nashville and Sand Diego, among other cities.

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Rapper Soulja Boy 27

Singer/songwriter R. Kelly has finally spoken out. Sort of. Early this morning, the crooner released a video assuring fans that despite the accusations leveled against him, he intends to continue his tour of the east coast. It’s been rumored that Kelly is currently running a “sex cult” with young women. Rumors regarding Kelly and underage girls have dogged the Grammy winner for some time. While only time will tell whether there’s any truth to the rumor, fans can catch Kelly when he visits their city. Miguel fans will be happy to know that the singer is currently working on his forthcoming fourth studio effort. In addition, the crooner has a role in the film “Detroit”, which he was surprised to land. “Detroit” details the events that took place during the uprising of July 1967. In the film, Miguel plays Malcolm, a key member of the  legendary R&B group the Dramatics, who endures a torturous detention and interrogation at the Algier’s Motel. While there’s no word on when Miguel’s next album will be released, “Detroit” will hit theaters on Aug. 4. Singer/songwriter/producer The Dream has been an industry hit maker for a decade. He has an innate ability to craft catchy, infectious songs for himself and other artists. Now, the crooner is looking for undiscovered talent. He along with rapper  Rick Ross and Roc Nations’s Lenny S. have launched the reality series “Signed” , which will air on VH1. With the new series premiering this week, the singer stopped by radio station Power 105 for an interview with “The Breakfast Club.” During the conversation, the singer discussed his formula for writing for other artists, becoming an artist in his own right and his  growing family. Fans can catch “Signed” on VH1. Rising Atlanta singer/rapper 6Lack brought his dark sound to television last night. During an appearance on “Late Night With Stephen Colbert”, the singer/rapper delivered a captivating performance of the single “Free.” Taking the stage with his band and sporting  a black hoodie, the singer surprised many by revealing that he recently cut his signature hair. As he rocked out to the end of the song over the wail of the electric guitar, TV screens behind him flashed “Free 6LACK” and the camera was blurred with a colorful  haze. 6LACK is currently going in a new direction with his image that will hopefully see him release more new music soon. Chicago native Chance The Rapper surprised fans during a concert featuring Kendrick Lamar last night. During Lamar’s set, Chance rose on a platform under the United Center stage for a performance of the single “No Problem.” Chance The Rapper wasn’t the first  guest on Lamar’s “DAMN World Tour.” Earlier this week, 2 Chainz appeared at the Brooklyn tour stop, and J. Cole drove The Palace of Auburn Hills into a frenzy with a surprise three song set. Cole is currently in the mist of his own “4 Your Eyez Only Tour.” Following his special guest appearance on Wale’s “SHIN3 Tour”, rising rapper Phil Ade is ready to step into the spotlight. The DMV signee debuts his new single “No Fear.” “No Fear” features Tate Kobang and Saba Abraha. The motivational track is currently the official song of the WWE NXT and will premiere on WWE Network on Aug. 19. “No Fear” will also appear on Ade’s debut album “Selfish.”