Herbert Wright, known professionally as G Herbo, is a rapper/songwriter from Chicago, IL. He grew up on Chicago’s Far Southeast Side and was influenced by Jadakiss, Young Jeezy, Gucci Mane, Yo Gotti, Chief Keef, and Lil Wayne. He is close friends with fellow Chicago rapper Lil Bibby. The two first gained attention with the single “Kill Shit”, which gained 15 million views on You Tube. As a solo artist, he released his first mixtape “Welcome To Fazoland” in 2014. He went on to release the mixape “Pistol P Project”, his second in 2014. He has gone on to release “Ballin Like I’m Kobe” (2015) and “Strictly For My Fans” (2016).

Ledisi Anible Young, known professionally as Ledisi, is a singer/songwriter from New Orleans, LA. She began performing publicly at age eight with the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra. She began her career with the group Anibade, which eventually gained a loyal local following. As a solo artist, she released her debut album “Soulsinger: The Revival” independently in January 2000. In 2002, she released her sophomore effort “Feeling Orange But Sometimes Blue” independently. She took a five year hiatus during which time she appeared on several soundtracks. In 2007, she signed with Verve Records and released the Ella Fitzgerald tribute album “We All Love Ella: Celebrating The First Lady Of Song.” She has since released the albums “Lost & Found” (2007), “It’s Christmas” (2008), “Turn Me Loose” (2009), “Pieces Of Me” (2011), ” The Truth” (2014) and “Let Love Rule” (2017).

Singer/songwriter/actor Justin Timberlake 37

Music mogul Clive Davis announced that singer/actress Jennifer Hudson will play legendary singer Aretha Franklin in a forthcoming biopic. He shared the news during his pre-Grammy gala over the weekend. This isn’t the first time that Hudson has honored Franklin. Hudson did tributes to Franklin during the 2011 Grammy Awards and the 2014 BET Awards. Franklin’s musical legacy spans six decades, from her first recording as a young gospel singer, to her most recent release, “A Brand New Me: Aretha Franklin With the Philharmonic Orchestra.” She has scored countless R&B hits, including a remake of Otis Redding’s “Respect.” She’s one of the most honored artists in Grammy Awards history,  the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and was also inducted into to the NAACP Hall of Fame and Gospel Music Hall of Fame in addition to being awarded the Presidential Media of Freedom in 2005. Straight Outta Compton’s Scott Bernstein and producer Harvey Mason Jr. will produced the highly anticipated film. Kansas City based R&B crooner Adrian Truth has unveiled the visual for his latest single “Tease.” Directed by Black Palms, the clip finds the singer’s significant other showing off her voluptuous figure before welcoming another woman into her home. Truth returns home later with flowers only to find clothes on the floor and opens the bedroom door for a surprise. “Tease” is taken from the EP “Bliss.” Truth has collaborated with such artists as Boyz To Men, Tech N9ne, Krizz Kaliko, Stalley, Ces Cru, JL Bhood, Emillo Rojas, Steddy P, Stevie Stone, Tef Poe, Info Gates, Joey Cool, Gee Watts, Reach, Suli4Q, G Money Da Boss, Uvone (JP The City Native) and Kemet The Phantom. DJ Aktive has released the music video for his latest single, “90s Love”, featuring the vocals of Marsha Ambrosius and taken from his forthcoming album ‘The Tour.” The James Johnson directed clip was shot on several locations throughout Aktive’s hometown Philadelphia, PA and showcases the collaborators strolling down city streets and browsing record stores while highlighting nostalgic moments in the 1990s, including dancing and door knocker earrings. This is a clip that will make viewers reminisce about things they loved about the 90s. “The Tour” is scheduled to be release this spring and will feature artists that Aktive has toured with over the years. Ambrosius and Aktive previously collaborated on the single “Why Did I Fall In Love”, a bonus track from Ambrosius’s album “Late Nights & Early Mornings.” UK R&B singer/songwriter Craig David has been busy promoting his upcoming album, “The Time Is Now.” He stopped by the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge where he performed a cover version of the Dua Lipa’s hit “IDGAF”, while blending elements of  Eamon’s hit “Fu*k It.” As one would expect, his smooth, lush vocals took center stage as he put his own unique spin on each record. His new project is also accompanied by a documentary video titled “A Letter To Myself”, which gives a historical timeline of David’s career. Four years after the release of her debut album “VII”, singer Teyana Taylor is ready to release her sophomore effort, to be produced by G.O.O.D Music boss Kanye West. Due this year, the highly anticipated project will reportedly feature tons of magic, according to Taylor. Although no release date has been confirmed, fans should expect the album this year. In addition to new music, Taylor and husband Iman Shumpert will co-star in the VH1 docu-series “Teyana & Iman”, which will premiere on Feb. 19. After taking home his first Grammy award, Donald Glover has a special treat for fans. He along with his agency Wolf + Rothstein, will re-release his 2011 mixtape “EP.” The project will be available across all digital streaming outlets at midnight. Although Glover is preparing what will be his final album under the stage name Childish Gambino, he has partnered with Stem, a distribution platform, for several surprises in 2018. The re-release of the project will allow senior fans to remember why they became fans and allow newer fans to explore Glover’s artistry on the five track mixtape seven years later. Chicago rapper G Herbo recently announced plans for a collaborative project with fellow south side rapper Lil Bibby during a video interview with Montreality today. He revealed that it’s a matter of the two getting in the same place at the same time, adding that they have about 30 to 40 unreleased songs together. The two met as children at a youth center in South Shore, and have been making music together since 2012’s “Kill Shit.”

Onika Tanya Maraj, known professionally as Nicki Minaj, is a Triniadian born rapper/songwriter/actress. She began her career as a member of the group Full Force. The group recorded the entrance song, “Don’t Mess With It” for WWE Diva Victoria. As a solo artist, Minaj broke through with the album “Pink Friday”, which featured the singles “Your Love”, “Check It Out” and “Right Thru Me.” She has since released the albums “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded” and “The Pinkprint.”

Charles Kent “Charlie” Wilson is  a singer/songwriter/producer/performer from Tulsa, OK. He began his career as a child along with older brother Ronnie and younger brother Robert singing in church. The trio later went on to form The Gap Band. They are responsible for such hits as “Shake”, Oops Upside Your Head”, “Burn Rubber” and “Outstanding” to name a few.  As a solo artist, he has released the albums “Bridging The Gap”, “Charlie”, “Uncle Charlie”, “Just Charlie”, “Love Charlie”, “Forever Charlie” and “In It To Win It.”

Happy birthday

Singer/songwriter/producer Charles Kent “Charlie” Wilson (The Gap Band) 65

Singer Amy Paulette “Amii” Stewart 62

Remembering musician James Lee Jamerson (January 29, 1936-August 2, 1983)

Music’s biggest night has come and gone, but is far from forgotten. While the diverse performances and #TimesUp messages capptured the attention of viewers, Pop/R&B powerhouse Bruno Mars stole the show at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards. Mars was nominated in six categories, and won them all, including “Record of the Year” and “Song of the Year”, beating out Jay Z and Kendrick Lamar. Kendrick Lamar and CeCe Winans were also honored during the event. Rising Pop/R&B singer/songwriter Justin Garner has unveiled the single “What’s Love Without Heartbreak”, a soulful ballad that warms the heart. On the well written offering, the crooner pulls at heartsrtings with passion filled vocals as he shares his experience with falling in love. “What’s Love Without Heartbreak” is the follow up to the EP “Into The Wild.” Interscope Records signee Arin Ray returns to the spotlight with the single “Communication”, a collaboration with DRAM. “Communication” is an ode to the Cincinnati native’s significant other, and is relatable, as it focuses on love and commitment. The track brings Ray’s lush, powerful vocals to the forefront as he sings about his commitment to his lady. DRAM’s appearance adds to what is an incredible offering fans will enjoy from beginning to end. “Communication” is the follow up to Ray’s YG assisted single “We Ain’t Homies.” Back in November, UK R&B songstress Jessie J released the female empowerment single “Queen”, and now she’s extended the reach of the single with an acoustic renditon. “Queen” enourages women to cherish and love themselves, and with this new rendition, her message hits home. In related news, Jessie joined Singer, one of China’s biggest televison shows. Each week, The Singer 2018 features the UK singer/songwriter as a regular guest, along with Chinese rock artist Wang Feng, Taiwanese pop star Angela Chang and Taiwanese singer Sam Lee. The show, which airs on Hunan TV, draws an audience of over 100 million viewers each episode. After last night’s Grammy Awards, rap collective Migos didn’t waste any time getting back to work. The Atlanta natives released the visual for their latest single “Stir Fry” late last night. Produced by Pharrell Williams, the track was intially released in late December, and has gone on to become one of their album’s strongest tracks. The clip finds the trio dressed as marital artists, gambling in their own Chinese restaurant along with Pharrell and even wielding nunchucks. The trio eventually clashes with an opposing gang, and show off their martial arts skills. The visual also features some hilarious outtakes. Fans should check this one out at their leisure.

Marlanna Evans, known professionally as Rapsody, is a hip hop artist from Snow Hill,  North Carolina. She began her career with the group Kooley High. She launched her solo career after signing with producer 9th Wonder’s It’s A Wonderful World Music Group. Her real breakthrough came with the release of the mixtape “Return Of The B Girl” in 2010. She later released the project “For Everything” in 2011. In 2016, she signed with Jay Z’s Roc Nation. She has collaborated with Kendrick Lamar, Erykah Badu, Raekkwon and others.

Envogue is an R&B ensemble from Oakland, CA. The original line up consisted of Cindy Herron, Terry Ellis, Maxine Jones  and Dawn Robinson. The group was formed during an audition. They rose to prominence in 1990 with the release of the album “Born To Sing.” They went on to release “Funky Divas”, “EV3”  and “Masterpiece.” They’re scheduled to release “Electric Café” on March 12.