Janet Jackson recently announced her “Metamorphosis” headlining residency at Park Theater at Park MGM resort in Las Vegas this summer. The first of fifteen shows have been announced, beginning  May 17, with dates throughout July, and running through Aug. 10. The show will give fans a glimpse into Jackson’s private life and transformation from young woman into global icon. In addition to electrifying visuals, dance numbers, chart topping hits, and fan favorite deep cuts,  the show will include a special 30th anniversary celebration of Jackson’s landmark  album “Rhythm Nation.” Fan club members, along with Citi card members, have access to pre-sale tickets. Tickets, which start at $79, go on sale to the general public on March 2, 2019 at 10 a.m. PST.

Happy birthday

Singer/songwriter/producer/arranger Mervyn Warren 55

Remembering singer Barbara Jean Acklin (February 28, 1943-November 27, 1998)

This song is the property of Warner Music Group.

UTFO was an American hip hop group from Brooklyn, New York City. UTFO was an abbreviation for Untouchable Force Organization. The group consisted of Kangol Kid (Shiller Shaun Fequiere), Educated Rapper (Jeffrey Campbell), Doctor Ice (Fred Reeves) and DJ Mixmaster Ice (Maurice Bailey). Kangol Kid and Doctor Ice were initially known as the Keystone Dancers before going on to dance for rap group Whodini. They went on to form UTFO in Brooklyn, New York. In 1984, they signed with Select Records  and that same year released the single “Roxanne, Roxanne.” The group’s debut album was produced by  R&B group Full Force. While UTFO no longer operates as a group, they are still active in the field. Doc dances for Whodini while pursuing his solo career. Mixmaster Ice DJs around the world. Kangol Kid writes and produces. Campbell died on June 3, 2017 after a battle with cancer. UTFO released the albums “UTFO” (1985), “Skeezer Pleezer” (1986), “Lethal” (1987), “Doin It” (1989) and “Bag It & Bone It” (1991).

This song is the property of Legacy Recordings.

The Jones Girls were an American R&B vocal trio from Detroit, MI. The group consisted of sisters Valerie, Shirley and Brenda Jones. They were backup singers for Lou Rawls, Teddy Pendergrass, Aretha Franklin and Le Pamplemousse. They worked with Diana Ross from 1975-1978 and were the background singers on the Linda Clifford album “If My Friends Could See Me Now.” They also performed on the Tower Of Power album “Back On The Streets.” Their biggest hit was “You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else.” The song reached No. 38 on the Billboard Top 40 in May 1979. Brenda Jones died on April 3, 2017. Valerie Jones died on December 2, 2001. Shirley Jones continues to perform as The Jones Girls with two nieces and a nephew on background vocals. The Jones Girls have released the albums “The Jones Girls” (1979), “At Peace With Woman” (1980), “Get As Much Love As You Can” (1981), “On Target” (1983), “Keep It Comin” (1984) and “Coming Back” (1992).

This song is the property of Quality Control Music LLC.

Dominique Jones, known professionally as Lil Baby, is an American rapper/singer/songwriter from Atlanta, GA. In May 2018, Jones released his debut album ‘Harder Than Ever”, which debuted at #3 on the US Billboard 200 chart. The album featured the singles “Southside” and “Yes Indeed”, featuring Drake, the latter reached #6 on US Billboard Hot 100.

This song is the property of Candace Bellamy.

Candace Bellamy is an American singer/songwriter from Austin, TX who possess a classic voice that she tests in soul, jazz, rock and blues. She recently released the EP “This Feeling”, which highlights her growth as an artist. “Ghost” features only an acoustic guitar and Bellamy’s soulful  vocals. And it works.

Happy birthday

Singer Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas (TLC) 48

Singer/songwriter Elisabeth Withers 49

Singer Robert “Bobby” Wilson aka Bobby V 39

Singer Roderick “Pooh” Clark (Hi-Five) 46

Singer Darryl Gibbs (Crown Heights Affair)

Instead of releasing a music video, singer Staasia Daniels has released a mini-sitcom for her single “Peanut Butter.” Directed by Ashley Iris Gill, the clip shows the Toronto singer/songwriter daydreaming about a date with an admirer. From raw chicken to card games to Twister, the date turns into a night of passion, but it was all a dream. Fans will definitely enjoy this one. Following the release of his latest studio effort “Father Of 4”, rapper Offset forms the Bando Brothers with Gucci Mane, Metro Boomin and Southside to rob a Chicago bank in the visual “Quarter Milli.” The clip begins with a radio announcement warning financial institutions to be weary of The Bando Brothers coming into their establishment. Based on their dapper fashion choices and the Model Ts being driven around, the video appears to take place during the Roaring Twenties. The crew first meets up to discuss how they would go about catching their next lick. Once everyone knows their role, they depart for a Chicago bank. Set, Metro and Southside burst through the door and successfully execute the hold up, while Gucci Mane waits outside and keeps an eye on the operation with a car ready to go. The group heads for the safe and bags up as much money as they can carry, before escaping with law enforcement nowhere in sight. Fans should check this one out.

Essence Magazine is pulling out all the stops for its 25th anniversary. Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige, Nas, Pharrell, H.E.R., Teyana Taylor, Normani and Queen Naija were the first artists announced for its 2019 lineup. The three night concert will return to New Orleans Jul 4-7. Featuring more than 80 acts, the 2019 Essence Music Festival  will also feature special performances marking the 25th anniversary of two seminal albums: Mary J. Blige’s “My Life” and Nas’ “Illmatic.” In addition, the festival will also pay tribute to singer Frankie Beverly. Anthony Hamilton, City Girls, Davido, Big Feedia, Ledisi, Jermaine Dupri, Jacquees, Nao, PJ Morton, El DeBarge, Sheila E., Big Daddy Kane and Teddy Riley will also take the stage at the Louisiana Superdome. Loni Love will host the event and music will be provided by DJ D-Nice. More acts will be announced in the coming weeks.

Happy birthday

Singer/songwriter/producer/actress Erica Abi Wright aka Erykah Badu 48

Singer/songwriter Corrine J. Bailey aka Corrine Bailey Rae 40

Singer Rico Wade (Organized Noize) 46

Singer Kyle Norman (Jagged Edge) 43

Remembering singer/songwriter/musician Antoine “Fats” Domino (February 26, 1928-October 24, 2017)