Mario's forte is the slow jam. He first earned attention in his mid-teens with his huge hit "Just a Friend," a smooth R&B updating of Biz Markie's rap classic. As he shifted into adulthood, Mario performed in the summer teen dance movie "Step Up", was featured with Hilary Swank in "Freedom Writers" and follows his big screen aspirations in the pursuit to become a multi-talented superstar, he returns to his first love of music.
After a hugely successful debut album in 2005, Bobby Valentino returns to the spotlight with the release of his sophomore offering, "Special Occasion", released on DTP/Island Def Jam. Showcasing his vocal talents through a 14-track masterpiece, the album is beautifully balanced with harmonious, sexy, melodious ballads and mid-tempos synonymous with Valentino's signature sound. As Valentino puts it, "So many artists today are straying away from real R&B music and on this new album I'm giving my fans a taste of what they've been missing."
Although Carl Thomas was originally part of "The Formula" (Epic Records) who released a song, "Pass it Over." He is best known as an artist on Sean "P. Diddy" Combs' Bad Boy Entertainment record label. Through his first two albums, "Emotional" and "Let's Talk About It", Thomas' soulful vocals speak to a keen observational and empathic view recalling the heydays of R&B/soul music. He has since left Bad Boy and now signed to Interscope and has released "So Much Better" which includes "Somethin' Bout Cha" featuring veteran R&B singer, Brandy.
Dozens of artists claim to be the Messiah of R&B - the chosen one called to restore the genre to its original glory, manifested through greats like Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Al Green and Donny Hathaway. At the end of the day, that restoration speaks for itself and it's clearly present when one listens to the music of Tank. His multifaceted song-writing, production and performance talents have brought him now to his third solo album, Sex Love & Pain.
Liv Warfield emerged in 2002 performing with the hip-hop band "Money N' Lovin." In 2004, Liv Warfield took center stage in her own band entitled Liv & The Warfield Project. Although Warfield is known for her gospel-like fervor during her captivating rock and soul performances in a live setting, her ultra sensual album of smooth sophisticated grooves is a testament to her impressive versatility and cross-catagorical appeal.
Former lead vocalist and creative force behind the Hip-Hop/Reggae rhythm machine "Born Jamericans", the dynamic duo group that was one of the Reggaetone pioneers. Notch's solo release is Raised By The People.
Reggae/Dancehall artist, Collie Buddz was born in New Orleans, Louisiana but raised on the islands of Bermuda, his hit single, "Come Around." Already, he's got collaborations with Beyonce, Lil' Flip, and Busta Rhymes. His first album, self-named, Collie Buddz is due to drop July 7th.
If soul is back, then Kyle "Ice" Jason got enough to loan you some as James Brown used to say. This former Air America Radio host began his career as a member of the Eddie Murphy entourage. His 2005 release, "Revolution of the Cool" features the hit, "Coming From The Soul".
Twenty-four year old singer, songwriter and composer has a deep appreciation for the harmonic foundations that includes gospel and jazz. The young artist says, "I realize that I'm new to the music world, but I've been preparing for this moment for long time".
The new singing sensation straight out of L.E.S. will be one to watch, as her renditions of R&B standards mixed with her upgraded hip-hop rooted beats and vibes makes her CD a nice change to the game.
The virtuosi of Canadian Brass, an exciting vehicle for serious concert music, has a long history of recording classical repertoire. They have a special affinity for Baroque music that has become the Canadian Brass' trademark. High Society is their latest release.
Across the country, Guy Black is known as one of the premier "funny men" of radio; with a host of voices and characters, his dedicated listeners are glued to the radio, while he thoroughly entertains them. He is on WBLS New York midday 10am-2pm, bringing comedic relief to WBLS listeners. Guy is most proud of his honors from the communities in which he has resided. "I'm just expressing what people are thinking and are not able to say; just enough to make their day a little brighter. I truly believe that's why I'm here".