JumpinJack AJ

I just wanted to encourage the board to consider checking her out. As an artist, I really believe in her and can identify with her songs. She balances the R&B and Hip-Hop sensibilities perfectly. She has heart, wit, and talent. She just might make you fall in love with R&B again. She has a total appreciation for the 90's and old school/classic music. This week she was bouncing back and forth between Philly, DC, and Columbia performing and making appearance on TV. I was fortunate to attend her performance and album release party last night. She's become one of my favorite artists over the years, so I was hyped. I showed up to the restaurant that the album release party was happening early. BriaMarie showed up right after me, but I wasn't going to bug her. She was waiting for her crew to show up. After doing dinner with a friend and securing a good seat, she actually tapped me on the shoulder and called me by name. This actually meant A LOT to me as one of her supporters. Since my name is currently AJ on Facebook and since she couldn't see my face from straight-on, I was surprised she called me Adam. We briefly talked and she said she know I had all of her music. I'm guessing she was involved packaging all of the pre-orders of her album (I got the bundle for the new album, the EP, and her signed poster). She also said how they were pushing the table I was setting at back so they could dance. She broke into a dance move as she said, which made me laugh. The set started late. As they were getting things set up, they played Fresh Prince's "Big Willie Style." Yes, the entire album. It was dope. The crowd was grooving to it to...even the album (non-single) tracks. During the set-up, I saw that Carvin was there too, which was cool. One thing I love about the sound check, was that she did with songs she wasn't performing. If you watch the YouTube videos on her's and Ethical Music's YouTube channels, you'll learn that she doesn't like doing sound check in front of the crowd. She was just rocking denim, an Adidas jacket, and hoop earrings as she sang Alicia Keys' "Fallin'" and her own song "Respect." As they tweaked things, she joked with the crowd some. She and her crew (the Beam Team) were getting changed and prepared, her DJ played the album, listening party-style. Two of the children who sung on the chorus of "#L2LU" were at the party, as were her parents and other friends and family. The performance was dope! The speakers pumped the songs and the lighting added a nice ambiance. She was backed by her DJ, DJ Geek, a drummer, two background vocalists, and two dancers. The started the set with Laruyn Hill's "Doo Wop." They were GOING HARD in terms of the choreography and energy. She went on to perform Love The Way We Argue, Ex Factor, #L2LU (Learn To Love You), and Tell The DJ. Hearing her sing "#L2LU" and hit that high note while it was just her playing the keyboard was amazing. Afterward, her and her crew hung out in the restaurant where her team was selling CD's, posters, and T-shirts. Afterward I talked to her for a little bit. She just has a beautiful spirit and I wished we'd be able to have a convo without all the hype going on around us. We snapped a pic, but unfortunately I look horrible in it...lol. My old contacts had my eyes looking crazy. I was (and still am) exhausted from how little sleep I've gotten lately. Multiple cameras were going off, so we were focusing on different cameras at different times. It was during this time I also got to talk to Carvin. He was taking pictures during her performance hanging out all night, just making sure the night went smoothly. I shared some words with him and let him know I was a fan and had been following his work since A Touch of Jazz. He was appreciative and thanked me for the support multiple times. I think I was the only person who got a picture with him...lol.

Just this week she released her first full length album, titled FRESHMAN. You can currently buy a physical copy (as well as her self-titled EP, and posters). The first single is a 90's throwback titled "Tell The DJ." I actually posted about this awhile ago because the single cover is A Tribe Called Quest/Midnight Marauders inspired and features Jeff's face.

As you listen to her music and watch her YouTube videos, you'll see that this girl has such a positive, bright energy. She's classy, funny, and serious when it comes to her music. She dropped a digital EP that features a remix of "French Fries and Apple Pies," which still features DJ Jazzy Jeff here: http://www.amazon.com/Proud-American-BriaMarie-Fresh-Princess/dp/B00A504KL0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1433566257&sr=8-1&keywords=briamarie Her first big (CD) release was her self-titled EP. http://www.amazon.com/Briamarie/dp/B00HG0F2J6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1433566257&sr=8-2&keywords=briamarie

A few of you might be like "why is this being posted on the DJ Jazzy Jeff board?" Well, I suppose it COULD go on the Caught In The Middle board, but since she is part of the JJ+FP family tree, I felt it was best to put it here. For those who aren't familiar with her, she's a R&B singer/rapper/humanitarian who comes from Columbia, Maryland who moved to Philly (at least for school). There she connected with Carvin Haggins, the 19-times Grammy nominated producer who spent many years working with Jeff at A Touch of Jazz turning out classics. Carvin, who owns the Ethical Music indie label signed her as his premier artist. The dope thing about Ethical Music, is that not only is he holding high standards for the quality of the music, but they'll be doing it without all the common sex/violence/drug talk. BriaMarie's debut single features the one an only DJ Jazzy Jeff. You can download the song for FREE here: http://www.mediafire.com/download/clwq77dg1zz9zvx/French+Fries+%26+Apple+Pies.aif You can download, Leader of the New School, her first EP, mixtape, whatever you wanna call it, here for FREE through Ethical Music's Soundcloud:

It appears to be bogus. Someone emailed the warehouse and they said the track isn't listed on it. I noted that "Let's Party" and Mr. Lee's Radio Mix of "Ring My Bell" might not be listed and that they'd have to pop the CD in to see if it has 14 tracks instead or two. I'm not sure they'll actually take the initiative, but it appears that the song isn't legit.

BMG TO RELEASE JANET JACKSON’S FIRST NEW ALBUM IN SEVEN YEARS THIS FALL 2015 THRU HER OWN RHYTHM NATION RECORDS NEW YORK/BERLIN, 3 JUNE 2015 – BMG is proud to announce that it will release the first album in seven years from Janet Jackson, icon, music artist, B.E.T honored, award-winning songwriter, producer, singer, Oscar and Golden Globe nominee and winner of the NAACP Best Supporting Actor award, publisher, dancer, businessperson, philanthropist and one of biggest-selling artists in popular music history. The worldwide partnership with Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation will see the release in Fall 2015 of her first as-yet-untitled album and a commitment to pursue the full range of options within the broader Bertelsmann group of which BMG is part. With Rhythm Nation Janet Jackson becomes arguably the first female African-American recording artist to form her own record label. At Rhythm Nation Janet plans to offer a home to both new and established recording artists. The partnership with BMG makes Janet Jackson the biggest worldwide superstar yet to quit the traditional record label system for a so-called artist services deal, designed to put artists in the driving seat. Unlike a traditional record deal, under an artist services deal the artist retains ownership of their recordings and full oversight of all costs and revenues. With sales of over 160 million records worldwide, Janet Jackson stands as one of the best-selling artists of all time as well as one of the most awarded with a string of hits that have left an indelible impression on pop culture. Her lengthy string of hits has powerfully influenced popular music, leaving an indelible impression on pop culture and opening doors through which other top artists have followed, many acknowledging her impact on their musical perceptions. Ms. Jackson’s May 16 announcement of an upcoming new album and a world tour via #ConversationsInACafe sent fans into a social media frenzy. BMG CEO Hartwig Masuch said, “Janet is not just a supreme artist, she is a unique cultural force whose work resonates around the world. It is an honor that she has chosen BMG to release her long-awaited new album. We look forward to collaborating with her across every platform.” Janet commented, “Thank you to the talented team at BMG, my new artistic home. The opportunity to be creative in music and every form of entertainment has great potential here.” Jon Cohen, EVP of Recorded Music at BMG Chrysalis US said, “Janet is a cultural icon and pop star like no other. The release of her long-awaited new album will undoubtedly be one of the musical highlights of 2015. It is an honor to work with her.” Janet began her career at the age of seven when she first performed with her family at the MGM in Las Vegas. The worldwide breakthrough came with her third album Control in 1986, her legendary collaboration with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis which created the musical fusion of pop, R&B, soul, dance, jazz, rock and rap which defines her unique sound. Control won four American Music Awards out of twelve nominations and was nominated for an Album of the Year at the Grammys. Next came Rhythm Nation 1814, a socially-conscious album critiquing injustice, illiteracy, crime, drugs, and racial intolerance, which last year celebrated its 25th anniversary. It remains the only album yet to have launched number one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 in three separate calendar years 1993’s janet sent her career into the stratosphere and brought the worldwide smash ‘That’s The Way Love Goes’. From 1995’s Design Of A Decade retrospective through studio albums The Velvet Rope, All For You and Discipline, Janet has continued to thrill and inspire her fans worldwide. Janet Jackson is one of very few music artists to have also achieved a successful acting career. Initially known as a young TV star, her first three films opened at number one at the box office with her next two big screen projects opening in the top three. Janet’s music has also made an impact in the film world when the artist received an Academy Award Nomination in the Best Music, Original Song category. Zach Katz, Chief Creative Officer, BMG Chrysalis US, said: “Janet’s list of achievements and accomplishments is truly staggering. She is a global artist whose career has touched on virtually every area of popular culture. Her new album will undoubtedly have a significant impact. We look forward to collaborating with her and Rhythm Nation to nurture a new generation of artists.” Venus Brown, for BMG Chrysalis US added: “As die-hard fans of her work and of the musical jewels that Janet Jackson has bestowed upon the world, we are beyond thrilled that she has chosen BMG to be her new partner. Her music and her video and concert styling, particularly Rhythm Nation 1814, changed the course of pop music.” The agreement with Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation Records is the latest high-profile milestone for the new BMG, just six-and-a-half years since its launch. Key to the BMG approach is a commitment to transparency and fairness to artists, typified by its Artist Services deals. Over the past year BMG has released albums by the likes of alt-J, The Smashing Pumpkins, Anastacia, Backstreet Boys, Nena, Bryan Ferry, You Me At Six and The Charlatans. Janet Jackson is represented by William Morris Endeavor, Sterling Winters Company, attorneys Tom Hoberman and Don Steele, and JDJ Entertainment. About BMG BMG is an international company focused on the management of music publishing and recording rights. BMG’s services cover the entire range of rights administration, development, and exploitation, placing the needs of songwriters and artists at the heart of its business model. Since its launch in 2008, BMG has established a presence in eight core music markets and now represents the rights to around 2.5 million songs and recordings, including the catalogues of Chrysalis, Bug, Virgin, Mute, Sanctuary, Primary Wave and Talpa Music, as well as many prominent artists and songwriters attracted by its service-orientated model. BMG is a wholly-owned subsidiary of international media company Bertelsmann, whose group interests embrace broadcasting and TV production (RTL Group), books (Penguin Random House) and magazines (Gruner + Jahr), media services (Arvato) and print (BePrinters). In the United States of America and Scandinavia the company trades under the name BMG Chrysalis, in Benelux under the name BMG Talpa Music. www.bmg.com

The Geto Boys Are Reuniting For a New Tour and Possible AlbumJun 1st, '15 • by Dan Rys It's been more than a decade since the Geto Boys released their last group album, 2005's The Foundation, and years since they graced the same stage. The decade since has been an up and down one for the Houston trio, to say the least; both Willie D and Bushwick Bill spent time in prison on various charges (Bill was nearly deported in 2010), while Scarface has dealt with family issues surrounding his son last year. But things haven't been all negative, either: Scarface just released a memoir and all three MCs have continued releasing solo material. But now the pioneering rap group is getting back together. Scarface, Willie D and Bushwick Bill announced a month-long tour that will take them around the country beginning June 7 in the nation's capital and wrapping up on the 4th of July in Cincinnati. So far that's the extent of the reunion, but it may not be the end: according to Willie D, the group is on board to craft another album, with logistics so far being the only delay. "We know that we want to do a record but it's a situation where right now we're at the point of getting the paperwork done right so everybody's on the same page," the MC told XXL in a phone conversation last week. "Once we get the paperwork done then we can do it." The Geto Boys have always balanced the rawness of their gangsta rap with a socially conscious morality in their music, with songs like "The World Is A Ghetto," "Crooked Officer" and "Six Feet Deep" among their best-known work. Two years ago, Willie D and Scarface linked again for the song "Hoodiez," with an accompanying video dedicated to Trayvon Martin. Now that the trio is back together, the social unrest in the world, but particularly in the U.S. over the past decade, has reinvigorated them. Ahead of the opening of the Geto Boys' tour, Willie D spoke to XXL about the reasons for reuniting, the possibility of crowd-funding an album and why he feels the group needs to speak on the police brutality that has come up again and again in this country. —Dan Rys http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2015/06/geto-boys-reuniting-new-tour-interview/

I'm surprised you found that, Brakes! I haven't spent proper time searching yet, but searched for a moment I've been on Underground Hip-Hop's mailing list for years. I'm really skeptical. The wikipedia listing said it was only on vinyl and cassette and that listing was for a CD. Also, it lists DJ Jazzy Jeff as the producer of every song, when he didn't produce "Summertime" and "A Dog Is A Dog." It also says the album was released on Sony rather than Jive. It also isn't listed as an import or anything like that (which would likely be priced much higher). The only thing that makes it look like it wasn't completely copied form wikipedia is that "Let's Party" is listed as the last track instead of the second to last. I went ahead and ordered it; it's the only way to find out if it exists. If I end up out $14 less rich because of it, so be it, but they have a 30 day return policy. In the special instructions box, I told them to make sure "Let's Party" is on the album, and that if it wasn't, to just refund me and not ship it out. Hopefully the song does exist and hopefully it's on this album and we'll all have a piece of rare JJ+FP from the 1-9-9-1!! I'll let you all know how it goes.

The person who entered that is a douche bag.

I'm hyped, I'm gonna see BriaMarie perform this Thursday at her album release party. BRIAMARIE - For The DJ Freshman (2015)

I already have two Homebase cassettes; one with the Mr. Lee Remix of "Ring My Bell", and the original release without it. The only reason the bonus track would be there was if it were exclusive to a specific retailer, which wasn't as common was it became in the 2000's, or if it were an import release. I'm still confused why it won't only be on the vinyl and cassette release, but not the CD version. Jim, I believe Tim knows a little bit about what happened to Jazz Fresh or El Sid. I remember us talking about it a few years ago. it would be dope to hear another piece of this album if it actually exists.

I've already done a little bit of research and digging and I can't find anything. That wikipedia entry is the ONLY thing I can find that references. The title seems a little vague and generic compared to the other songs. It'll be a wonderful project for the Summertime. :)

I've never heard anything about this song. Granted, I haven't dug and researched for new music in recent years since I have almost everything that exists, I'm skeptical. The only real thing that gives me hope that it exists is that it's listed as a bonus track. Possibly and exclusive or import release. I just don't see why they wouldn't put it on CD (since it's labeled for cassette and vinyl only). Later pressings of Homebase had the Mr. Lee Remix of "Ring My Bell" on both cassette and CD. How dope would it be to hear a piece of Homebase for the first time in 2015?!?!?!

This is great news! I'm hoping I can catch the show in Columbia. Now they need to patching things up with Jazzy. http://www.centrictv.com/entertainment/music/articles/2015/05/21/floetry-announces-reunion-tour.html?cid=social_20150522_46301926&adbid=601855161988841472&adbpl=tw&adbpr=16631904 Floetry Announces Reunion TourMarsha Ambrosius and Natalie Stewart are set to hit the road this summer Justin Dwayne Joseph POSTED: 05/21/2015 03:24 PM EDTNeo-soul duo Floetry has reunited and is set to hit the road this summer with a 20-city tour. Ten years after splitting up, Marsha Ambrosius (AKA "The Songstress) and Natalie Stewart (AKA "The Floacist) have buried the hachet (things didn't end well) and are reuniting for one of soul music's most wanted reunions. The two ladies will kick things off on June 16 in Cleveland, Ohio; and will make stops in a slew of other cities including Detroit, Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia, New York City, and New Orleans in July for the annual ESSENCE Festival. The Grammy Award-nominated duo's last project was 2005's Flo'Ology. Since then both ladies have forged ahead with solo projects. Ambrosius has released two albums including her Billboard R&B album chart-topping 2011 debut Late Nights & Early Mornings. While Stewart has released three. Her latest was Rise of the Phoenix Mermaid released last year. Floetry Reunion Tour dates 6/16 - Cleveland, OH 6/17 - Cleveland, OH 6/18 - Columbus, OH 6/19 - St. Louis, MO 6/20 - Detroit, MI 6/21 - Chicago, IL 6/23 - Denver, CO 6/25 - San Francisco, CA 6/26 - Tacoma, WA 6/28 - Phoenix, AZ 7/1 - San Antonio, TX 7/5 - ESSENCE Festival – New Orleans, LA 7/8 - Birmingham, AL 7/9 - Louisville, KY 7/10 - Charlotte, NC 7/12 - Durham, NC 7/17 - Philadelphia, PA 7/18 - Newark, NJ 7/19 - New York, NY 8/8 - Spirit Festival – Columbia, MD

New Camp Lo! I was recently revisiting them. I'll have to peep this new album. That LSC album definitely takes me back to high school. ....I wouldn't call myself a Lil' Mama fan, but between her acting in the TLC movie, her appearance on MC Lyte's track, and now this...I'm starting to like her. The chorus is annoying, but her rhymes are pretty good...especially their delivery. The video and choreography is dope. There's an overload of 90's references musically and visually. TLC, Mary J. Blige, Doug E. Fresh featuring Lil' Vicious, and Madonna to name the obvious ones. LIL' MAMA - Sausage (2015)

JUSTIN BIEBER - Catching Feelings Believe (2012) Haters gonna hate, I don't care. I've always loved this song. Eff Bill Clinton! LOL

I've never seen this one that was used in this Word Up! magazine poster.

I can't lie, with only primarily two people contributing to this thread, it's pretty boring. LECRAE - Hang On Church Clothes Vol. (2013)

SILK - Now That I've Lost You (self-titled) (1996)

Is my computer drunk, or have all those pictures I posted gone from this thread?

Tim, I tend to listen to lots or R&B in the Spring time. I'm right there with you. It's amazing how R&B used to be chart topping genre and now the "charts" are supporting processed dance and pop versions of R&B with weak singers. It sucks because so many R&B acts are still active, but going the indie route. COLOR ME BADD + BOOTSY COLLINS- Slow Motion C.M.B. (1991)

TLC - My Life Fanmail (1999)

MADONNA - Joan of Arc Rebel Heart (2015)

DIGITAL UNDERGROUND - Doowutchyalike (The Just Throw That Break Beat Up Up Under There Remix) Doowutchyalike / Packet Man (Cassette Maxi Single) (1990) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq6j6Da1iPs