Columbia, SC, native Blacc Zacc is on a mission, and that mission is to put South Carolina hip hop on the map. During an interview with Billboard magazine, the rising rap star revealed that there’s no influence of hip hop culture, let alone a music scene, in his hometown, and he wants to change that. When Zacc was a child, hip hop was all around him thanks to an in-home studio his stepfather built in their kitchen. Whenever his stepfather was recording, Zacc was always close by, taking in all the music knowledge around him. At age 13, he recorded a song about his mother. Zacc’s journey through the independent market lead to a breakout moment when he signed a recording contract with Interscope Records via South Music Group. To celebrate the signing, Zacc released the single “Trappin Like Zacc”, featuring DaBaby, Stunna 4 Vegas, Key Glock and more. Today, Zacc continues his mission to become a rap star with the release of his debut album, “Carolina Narco.” Zacc is certainly one to watch.

This song is the property of Def Jam Recordings.

Jason Terrance Phillips, known professionally as Jadakiss, is an American rapper from Yonkers, New York. He’s best known as a member of the rap group The Lox as well as a member of The Ruff Ryders in addition to his solo work. In 2001, he released his debut album, “Kiss The Game Goodbye.” Phillips also released the albums “Kiss Of Death” (2004), “The Last Kiss” (2009), “Top 5 Dead Or Alive” (2015) and “Ignatius” (2020).

This song is the property of Epic Records.

Giveon Evans, known professionally as Giveon, is an American singer/songwriter from Long Beach, CA. He’s currently signed to Epic Records and recently released his debut EP “Take Time.”

Happy Birthday

Bassist/songwriter David Dyson 55

Singer Carolyn Griffey (Shalimar)

Remembering singer Philippe Wynne (April 3, 1941-July 14, 1984-The Spinners)

After contributing vocals to rapper Drake’s surprise release “Chicago Freestyle”, rising R&B singer/songwriter Giveon takes center stage with his debut EP “Take Time.” The 8-track project puts the Epic Records signee’s baritone vocals and storytelling ability on full display as he infuses Rat Pack style classiness into modern R&B.  Some of the standout tracks on the EP include “Heartbreak Anniversary”, “Favorite Mistake” and “World We Created.” Fans can certainly look forward to hearing more from Giveon in the future. Eric Bellinger and Nieman Johnson just released another single from their forthcoming collaborative project “Optimal Music”, slated for release on April 24. The single titled “Blessed” features Wale and RJmrLA rapping about their affection for women and how they feel blessed that the love is reciprocated. “Blessed” is a song that blends R&B and hip hop as the smooth flow of Bellinger’s hook leads to verses by Wale and RJmrLA. The song ends in bars and rhymes thanks to RJmrLA’s flow. Be sure to check out “Blessed.” R&B singer Kevin Ross is here to provide fans with some relief during a time of concern, quarantine and uncertainty. He’s unveiled “The Interim Series”, a collection of songs, covers and originals, that will be released weekly while the nation deals  with the COVID-19 pandemic. Along with the announcement, he released his cover of the Stevie Wonder classic “Love Is In Need Of Love Today”, and it features Sonna Rele of London. The two crafted a beautiful, heartwarming rendition of the song. Ross’ silky, smooth vocals and ad libs give the song a new school feel with the same powerful message. Sonna impresses half way through the song with sweet runs, showcasing her vocals. Ross began his career as a songwriter, creating hits for Johnny Gill, SWV, and Jamie Foxx among others. His latest album, “Audacity Vol. 1”, debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes R&B Albums chart.

This song is the property of Universal Music Enterprises.

Marvin Pentz Gay Jr., known professionally as Marvin Gaye, was an American singer/songwriter/producer from Washington, DC. Gaye, like many R&B artists, began singing gospel before moving on to secular music. He began singing with the doo wop group The Marquees. The Marquees came to the attention of singer Harvey Fuqua, and under Fuqua’s direction, the group changed it’s name to Harvey & The New Moonglows. After the group disbanded, Gaye moved with Fuqua to Detroit, where he was signed to Tri-Phi Records as a session musician. Motown Records CEO Berry Gordy bought Gaye’s contract, and Gaye signed with Motown’s Tamla imprint. Gaye went on to shape the sound of Motown Records in the 1960s, first as a session musician, and later as a solo artist, earning the nicknames “Prince of Motown”  and “Prince of Soul.” He charted with such hits as “Hitchhike”, “How Sweet It Is”, “Can I Get A Witness”, “Ain’t That Peculiar” “What’s Going On” and “Let’s Get It On” among others. On March 23, 1982, Gaye signed with CBS Records where he released the album “Midnight Love.” The album’s first single, “Sexual Healing”, was a smash, peaking at No. 1 on the Black Singles chart, becoming the biggest hit of the 1980s, according to Billboard stats. Gaye died on April 1, 1984, one day before his 45th birthday. Without question, he left behind a musical legacy that will  live for eternity.

Veteran rapper Trina set the party vibe, with a red Solo cup in hand for her Billboard Live At Home concert yesterday with an acoustic set that raised money for Plus 1, an organization that connects artists with millions of concert goers for a $1 donation to raise funds for high-impact nonprofits addressing some of the planet’s greatest obstacles. It was a special day for the self-proclaimed “Queen of Miami”, as April 1 marks the 12th anniversary of her fourth studio effort “Still Da Baddest.” From the privacy of her Miami balcony, the “Love & Hip Hop: Miami” star began her set with “Single Again”, accompanied by R&B singer Nia Amber. After ending the show with “Here We Go”, Trina answered fan questions, which included information regarding a forthcoming seventh album. No release date has been announced.

Happy Birthday

Singer/songwriter R.L Huggar (Next) 43

Singer/musician Gregory Abbott 66

Singer Traci Braxton (The Braxtons) 48

Remembering singer/songwriter/producer Marvin Gaye (April 2, 1939-April 1, 1984)

This song is the property of Select Records.

Jason Lewis, known professionally as AMG, is an American rapper from Cleveland, OH. He began his music career with a special guest appearance on rapper DJ Quik’s debut album “Quik Is The Name.” His association with DJ Quik helped him land a recording contract with Select Records in 1991. That same year, he released his debut album, “Bitch Betta Have My Money”, which featured the singles “Jiggable Pie”, “Bitch Betta Have My Money”, “Vertical Joyride” and “I Wanna Be Yo Ho.” Lewis produced nearly the entire album by himself, with DJ Quik serving as an additional producer on one song. The album reached No. 63 on the U.S Billboard 200 chart. In 2007, Lewis began recording a joint album with DJ Quik under the name The Fixxers. They released the single “Can U Werk Wit Dat” via Interscope Records. Their album, “Midnight Life”, was scheduled for release in mid-to-late 2007 but was shelved due to material being leaked prior to its release. Lewis has released the albums “Bitch Betta Have My Money” (1991), “Ballin Outta Control” (1995) and “Bitch Betta Have My Money 2001” (2000).

This song is the property of Atlantic Recording Corp.

Faze O is an American funk/R&B band from Dayton, OH and produced by Clarence Satchell of The Ohio Players. The band’s lineup consisted of Keith Harrison (keyboards, vocals), Ralph “Love” Aikens, Jr. (guitar, vocals), Tyrone “Flye” Crum (bass, vocals), Robert Neal, Jr. (percussion, vocals) and Roger Parker (drums, percussion). The group’s debut single, “Riding High”, has been sampled by several hip hop artists. They released the albums “Riding High” (1977), “Good Thang” (1978) and “Breaking The Funk” (1979).