When Cory Taylor founded R&B Spotlight, he envisioned a place where up and coming artists, as well as seasoned artists could come together on one accord and rock out! His main focus: “to fill the hole that exists in R&B music today.” Taylor gives artists an opportunity to fulfill their dreams by hitting the stage and giving all they have to the craft that they love.

New York City was the place; April 28, 2013 the date; SOB’s the stage… In addition to acts aspiring to make it big in the music industry, Taylor brought out the sensational ladies of Sisters With Voices (SWV) to give a tribute to the 90’s. Coko, LeLee and Taj have been rocking stages & topping charts since the early 90’s. They are still producing multi-platinum hits and pleasing crowds with both new, as well as old favorites. Their new album, “I Missed Us” is a mainstay in R&B Music.

“We hope that by inviting national acts, we’ll inspire up and coming artists to pursue their dreams.” Cory Taylor

EntertainmentReporters.com were in the house to witness the continuation of R&B greatest through the Voices of SWV. Check out a clip of the performance (below):

Special thanks to Cory Taylor for providing access and opening up the channels to keeping real R&B music in the forefront. Also, thank you to Coko, LeLee and Taj for always being so open and flowing with the change of music.

photo/video credit: MBF for EntertainmentReporters.com

On April 28, 2013, Sisters With Voices (SWV); one of the most successful R&B Groups from the 90’s will be gracing the stage at SOB’s NYC to give a special performance: Tribute to the 90’s. We remember their breakout success with: Weak, I’m So Into You, You’re the One. Plus, albums worth of other great hits (You’re Always On My Mind, It’s About Time, Release Some Tension, just to name a few).

In 2011, SWV released “I Missed Us” which continued in their original style of ‘Real Rhythm & Blues’ Music. The album was surely one for the record books. With hits like: I Missed Us, Do Ya, CoSign and Better Than I, and my favorite – Show Off, they have no plans on stopping. The group has won numerous awards for their hard work in this industry.

If you are in NYC, check out SWV for an evening like no other. Flyer and Press Release below:

***Special Thanks to Cory Taylor – 21 Voices (EntertainmentReporters.com will be in the house)***

PRESS RELEASE

NEW YORK, NY -­‐-­‐ RnB Spotlight, an exclusive “live” showcase of favorite national and local R&B artists, fusing old and new school flavors, is back Sunday April 28, 2013 , featuring Grammy nominated RnB multi-­‐platinum artist SWV. Chart-­‐topping superstars have headlined past shows including Carl Thomas, R.L. of 90’s R&B group, Next; Meelah of 702, Kenny Lattimore, Musiq Soul Child, Marsha, Ambrosius, Mario Winans, and Sisqo, lead singer of multi-­‐platinum group Dru Hill.

The purpose of RnB Spotlight is to open the curtain of opportunity for the next superstar to be discovered. Amateurs are given a “platform” to showcase their talents
and gain local and national exposure in the RnB community. The event is streamed live for the world to see, thus expanding the audience beyond the walls of the venue.

“We hope that by inviting national acts, we’ll inspire up and coming artists to pursue their dreams,” RnB Spotlight founder Cory Taylor stated.

The monthly event will relocate all future shows to the “home of universal music” in SoHo, an eclectic venue, S.O.B’s, also known as Sounds of Brazil. This highly sought after “live” music
venue has earned the reputation as one of the trendiest “live” music venues in the city.

If you would like to be a part of our showcase please send a live video performance of your talent to TalentRnBSpotlight@gmail.com. For further information contact 21Voices Entertainment offices @ (718) 576-­‐1950. Doors open at 7 p.m. show starts at 8 p.m. the event. All advance tickets are $20.

Tickets may be purchased directly at SOBs at www.sobs.com.

VIBE and Singersroom are the official media sponsors for RnB Spotlight.

Monday night, Executive Producer Mona Scott-Young (Monami Entertainment) and Myx Fusions invaded the ATL to give over 300 Press and Industry notables an exclusive look at VH1’s “Love & Hip Hop Atlanta – season 2″ premiere before it airs publicly on April 22, 2013 at 8pm. Cream Ultra Lounge was the place to be as cast members enjoyed specialty drinks (Myx Fusions, Malibu Red and Ciroc) and Hors d oeuvres. There was also a Q&A session that got pretty heated. DJ Fadelf was on the ones and twos.

Cast members in attendance were: Benzino, Erica Dixon, Joseline Hernandez, Rasheeda, Traci Steele, Momma Dee, Kirk Frost, Stevie J, Mimi Faust, Shay Johnson, Che Mack and Babey Drew. Other notables in the building were: Adiz Bambi (Basketball Wives LA), Shawty Lo and DJ Toomp. Special shout out to: K.Michelle, Lil Scrappy and Karlie Redd whom could not make it out.

Check out a few pics:

Thank you to: Monami Entertainment, VH1, Myx Fusions, Malibu Red, Ciroc, Benzino, Greg Fields Jr., Saptosa Foster, Jen Farris and 135th St Agency.

Special S/O to Adiz BAMBI – Girl, you cool as a fan…

Photos by: Briana Crudup Photography

Til next time… CUTTY OUT!!!

Sunday, April 7, 2013 marked the final day of the Atlanta tour for Zeola Gaye’s hit stage play, ‘My Brother Marvin’ at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. In grandiose style, his sister showed accounts of the life, the music, and the untimely death of the Prince of Motown – Marvin Gaye. Directed by Clifton Powell (who also played his father), it’s the only play that brings to the forefront the true to life events that took place in Marvin Gaye’s life, up to his death by the hands of his father – Marvin Gaye, Sr.

With an all-star cast Zeola Gaye took journaled events from her mother’s diaries, as well as accounts of her own to show the families struggles, alcohol & drug addictions and the people who tried to silence them. “It’s time for me to be free,” she says. “I’m releasing it all! The conspiracy, the drama, the lies, the stealing, the control and even the death threats.”

One of the most prolific entertainers to ever walk the face of the earth, Marvin Gaye struggled with his own demons: women, drugs, suicidal tendencies, etc. While at the same time, dealing with the jealousy of his father. Even while being persecuted on a daily basis, he made the world love him. Marvin Gaye helped shape the way we listen to music forever!

Emmy Award Winning Actress, Lynn Whitfield played his mother, Alberta Gaye. She was the only person to witness her son’s death at the tender age of 45 (who was killed a day before his Birthday). She and Marvin had a relationship like no other. Pastor Marvin Gaye, Sr., played by Clifton Powell had issues of his own: dressing in ladies underwear, alcoholism, kinky sex & jealousy issues. “If you ever touch me again, I will kill you!” He told Marvin Gaye at a young age as he kicked him out of the families home. Singer/Actor/Radio Host, Keith Washington who played Marvin Gaye in his latter years gave an outstanding performance. Marvin Gaye adored his family. He loved his father and attempted to give him the world. Zeola Gaye was played by talented actress, Tondy Gallant.

Sadness struck when Zeola Gaye told us that she was denied clearance to use her brothers most popular songs in the play, My Brother Marvin. “However, the show must go on!” she said in pure confidence. Regardless of the music used, Marvin Gaye’s voice rang through the raptors as if he were still with us on this earth. Every song used held the same emotion as the to ones we loved that he made popular. We will always love OUR Brother, Marvin Gaye (April 2, 1939 – April 1, 1984).

Special thanks to Playwright, Angela Barrow Dunlap and Zeola Gaye for bringing the true to life accounts of ‘My Brother Marvin’ to the stage.

Video (Below):

Score!!! After putting her hustle on full-grind mode for years, Tocarra Hamilton has shown that she is more than ready to take this music industry and mold it into her vision of perfection. She is no newcomer to the game. Tocarra has the skills to pay the bills, and she has been getting them checks. You’ve heard her on collaborations with Usher (Daddy’s Home), Pitbull (Dance With Me), and Lil Scrappy (No Love). She has also been recognized by ASCAP for her talents as a songwriter.

Destined to become one of the most notable independent artists in the game, Tocarra Hamilton has dropped her debut single, “Just Like You”. A woman’s anthem, that can definitely be understand and loved by men also. Her sweet voice just pulls you into her world.

Hailing from Milwaukee, Tocarra is more than just an entertainer, she is a survivor! A near-death experience in an almost fatal auto accident; she was told that she would never walk again, but Tocarra turned her focus to becoming a singer. And now, I introduce you our new Queen of the Night: Tocarra Hamilton Live – “Just Like You”.

Live Footage:

***Footage shot & edited by: Cutty Shark for CuttRight Productions***

Boost Mobile teamed up with Atlanta Falcons Wide Receiver, Roddy White and his “Keep the Faith” Foundation for the Atlanta Community Food Bank to ‘Strike Hunger’. In addition to being an all-star on the field, White’s star shines even brighter off the field. He is lending his hands to help the fight on stopping hunger.

Atlanta residents were invited out to the Atlanta Food Truck Park to enjoy a complimentary lunch from Sweet Auburn BBQ. The Atlanta Falcons wide receiver even helped serve the food to fans. Fans also got a chance to take pictures with their favorite NFL player, as he simultaneously signed autographs & falcons paraphernalia.

Boost Mobile donated $8,400 to White’s, Keep the Faith Foundation to honor his dedication to the Atlanta Community.

An Evening with Holly Robinson Peete was A HOPE FLIES Health series presented by the Foundation for Mitochondrial Medicine. This particular series was an educational symposium about Autism, Parkinson’s and Mitochondrial disease. The keynote speaker for the evening was Holly Robinson Peete.

Peete, along with a panel of Medical experts talked about the effects of these diseases on ourselves and the ones we love. The panel included: Dr. John Shoffner: Medical Neurogenetics, Atlanta – talked about mitochondrial disease; Dr. Martha Herbert: Harvard & Mass General, Boston – discussed how Autism affects us; Dr. Zbigniew Wszolek: Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville explored Parkinson’s Disease; and, Robin Morris Ph.D.: Geogia State University talked to us about Neuropsychology. With the wealth of knowledge at this great evening of exploration and discussion of issues that hit close to home for a lot of us, we left with new information and hope for our family and friends.

The keynote speaker, Holly Robinson Peete is an actress, author and an advocate of Autism and Parkinson’s Disease. Both of these diseases live in her heart, as well as her home. Her father battled Parkinson’s disease, and her eldest son RJ Peete was diagnosed with Autism. She and her husband formed HollyRod Foundation in 1997 to help improve the lives of people fighting this great fight. In 2010, Ryan Elizabeth Peete (daughter) co-authored a children’s book about Autism: My Brother Charlie.

The video of A Evening with Holly Robinson Peete (below):

Icon Studios was definitely the place to be as Alja Ka’Million held a private listening session before she unleashes her new mixtape, Boss Bitch Presence in 2013. In case you were in a bubble for the last decade, Alja is a well-established rapper/singer/songwriter/producer/CEO that has penned hits for such industry veterans: Missy Elliott, Rihanna, Trey Songz, Diddy Dirty Money and The Pussy Cat Dolls just to name a few. Now it is her time to shine!

Alja grew up in the Pearlworld neighborhood of Jacksonville, FL. She moved to Los Angeles to jump start her career and now resides in the ATL (Atlanta, GA) where she is busy writing, performing, and recording her life experiences in the vocal booth. She labels her style of music Trap-N-B (hard south 808, heavy bass, gritty production and R&B).

Ka’Million made a name for herself in the industry when she was discovered by Jimmy Iovine and signed to Interscope Records. Now her own boss, she is the CEO of Rippahouse Records. Her first single, “Mr. Moneybags” featuring Future is on heavy rotation in the clubs. She recently shot a video for her next single, “Everywhere”. Yes, Alja Ka’Million is heavily on her grind and she is EVERYWHERE!

Ka’Million’s music appeals to a mass audience. Alja is ready! And; she’s the Fierce, Flirty, Femme Fatale.

For more information, go to: www.AljaKamillion.com

Facebook: Alja.Kamillion

Twitter: @AljaKamillion4k

***Check out the video of Alja Ka’Million in her element; EVERYWHERE***

The South has become the hub of all creative endeavors. This includes designers from all walks of life. Welcome to The South’s Next Wave: Design Challenge.

The Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) presents The Next Wave Exhibition/Challenge, which pairs over 40 interior designers & object designers to compete for one grand prize (Cash). The selected designers have created 17 vignettes throughout the entire museum. Aesthetic Identity Design Firm, GoodroweHobby founders: David Goodrowe and Tim Hobby have led in the direction of set design, interior design and object design to bring this exhibition to life.

“We envision each vignette as a distinct environment with many layers,” says Curator Tim Hobby.

To vote, visit MODA between November 11, 2012 – March 31, 2013 to choose your favorite exhibit. “Goodrowe and Hobby conceived of The South’s Next Wave: Design Challenge as an opportunity to encourage collaboration between the talented individuals chosen to design the vignettes showcased in the MODA galleries.”

For more info on The Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA), visit: www.museumofdesign.org.

For more info on Curators David Goodrowe and Tim Hobby, visit: www.GoodroweHobby.com.

***Check out the video preview of The South’s Next Wave: Design Challenge (below):

THE 7TH ANNUAL FORD BLACK COLLEGE QUIZ SHOW

The weekend began at Spelman College – Cosby Academic Center, as Central City Productions hosted a private VIP reception to jump-start the 7th Annual Ford Black College Quiz Show. Hosted by Actor, RonReaco Lee (Let’s Stay Together), the night served as the official introduction to the 12 college students who will compete for $20,000 in college scholarship money. The jeopardy-styled game show brings undergraduate students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities together to challenge their knowledge of African-American history and culture.

On Saturday, the Live Taping of the BCQ took place on the Oval at Spelman College. Contestants, as well as audience members enjoyed a great educational experience as RonReaco tested their knowledge in history, culture and arts, education, entertainment, etc. “The series was conceived to encourage the appreciation of African-American heritage.” The show will air from December 15 – January 24.

The following contestants/schools are:

Ketrina Childs – Bethune-Cookman University
Karon Jones – Central State University
Brandon Britt – Claflin University
Tanisa L. Smith – Coppin State University
Ryan Brookens – Hampton University
Artis Collins III – Paine College
Noah Moore – Rust College
Terri Simon – Southern University @ New Orleans
Nandi Stewart – Spelman College
Lawrence Allen Brown II – Stillman College
Alexis Tardy – Talladega College
Leroy Myers Jr. – University of Maryland Eastern Shore

CHECK OUT THE *SNEAK PEAK* VIDEO (below):

***Congratulations and Good Luck to all our young contestants, as well as the coaches who trained them.

***Special thanks to: FrontPage Firm, Tosha Whitten-Griggs, Prudence Bailey, Spelman College, Central City Productions, Don Jackson, RonReaco Lee