CLEVELAND’S OWN AVANT RETURNS WITH NEW HIT SINGLE, NEW ALBUM…

IMG_3990.jpeg

Avant

New album. CAN WE FALL IN LOVE, available July 10.

If you’re anything like us here at UGD, you been long awaiting the return of our very own Avant! It’s been a minute since this brother has hit us with a new jam, but we’re happy to report the wait is OVER!

Yes, Avant has a new single, AND a new album dropping.
"CAN WE FALL IN LOVE", is an open-letter with raw honesty and intensity. Returning once again to add his signature style, producer Travis Sayles (Dark Child Productions) joins forces with Avant's songwriting and lead vocals. The album will be available for release on Friday, July 10th, via the MO-B Entertainment/SRG ILS Group/UMG label imprint and is available for pre-orders now at CAN WE FALL IN LOVE. With the pre-sale download, fans are now able to exclusively download and stream to the new song, "EDIBLE"

A songwriter, producer, and label owner of MO-B Entertainment, Avant has traveled a long and steady path from being the first artist on Magic Johnson's record label to starting his own label. He is grateful to be in a unique situation in his career, maintaining control in business and creative freedom. Recently, AVANTachieved one of the biggest accomplishments in today's music industry as his catalog has been streamed over 1.8 Billion times on Pandora.

Featured songs such as "You Don't Love Me No More" reminds us of the challenges of maintaining adversities in relationships, says Avant. "I was having a spat with my lady," he recalls. "It's so many cell phones and distractions that take away your attention from a relationship. It makes you feel like, "Am I here for the kids, the bills--what is it?' I don't feel that presence of love anymore. I was going with that. I wanted to make sure it had a hip hop feel to it. I could've made it a full R&B song, but I didn't want to make another "Separated" either. I wanted to include old school R&B, with the harmonies and notes where they were placed with the horn. It gives you a feel of authentic soul music."

The Cleveland native steps back in time with "Not Gone Lose," a tribute to an era which Avant elegantly conveys bringing us back to when ballads were the cornerstone of bringing Black families together. He explains, "I'm speaking from our generation. If we want to go back to the Ray Charles or Smokey Robinson era, it had a pinch of the true soul to it. That's what I was going with on this album." 
With standout songs, "All In My Head," "Edible," and "Take It Slow," both written to appeal to a cross-generational audience--it drives home why Avant is a dynamic songwriter.

For nearly two decades, AVANT has blazed a trail with hits, "Read Your Mind," "My First Love," and "Separated". "It's a different time in the world today and I’m trying to get people back to what real R&B is about. Not just making love but being in love, what happened to that? I think it's important that we delve back into those kinds of things," mentions AVANT.

AVANT remembers talking to the legendary singer, Charlie Wilson, where he offered him the best advice. "You should always keep your mind fresh, but you also want to stay with the people who know you. It’s important to stay involved with our generation and younger followers to keep my mind open," remembers Avant.

When many artists have fallen to the wayside, AVANT continues to stay consistent in creating great music. "Can We Fall In Love" is a testimony to why his fan-base is so loyal to his craft.

"I can't change who I am, so I have to give you exactly who Avant is all the time. That's my main goal when I sit down to record an album. I want to give you that interpretation of what this life is about," he adds. "This album is about the work the work that it takes to make a relationship work. There are good things and there are bad things, but if there is love, then that is the beginning of fixing the issues".

EDIBLE Audio

R&B SONGSTRESS @PORCELANMUSIC DROPS NEW VIDEO FOR 'ACT OUT'...

You’ve heard the smash hit, now it’s time to see the visual that accompanies! Yep, R&B songstress Porcelan has dropped the visual for her new single ‘Act Out’, and you know it’s hot like fire! The "ACT OUTdont-mess-with-me music video was directed by Hotkey Studios and is available now on all streaming and download platforms, via the Made In Memphis Entertainment/Beat Root label imprint.

"The inspiration behind the music video for “Act Out”, was one of my favorite 90's movies “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate", mentions Porcelan. "I wanted to capture the intensity of how broken she was from her past and how he came along and made her think he was different, all while he was playing games the entire time," she adds.

Video

"Act Out" is the follow-up buzz single to PORCELAN's chart-topping hit song, "Lois Lane", which became a Billboard Magazine Top15 record. "Act Out" will be featured on PORCELAN's forthcoming debut album, "Mood Ring", to be released this Summer. The in-your-face single was written by PorcelanHamilton HardinDenarious Holmes and produced by Hamilton Hardin.

PORCELAN has just been announced as one of the Brand Ambassadors for PZI Denim by Lisa Raye. "I am truly honored and humbled for this awesome partnership with Lisa Raye. As a bottom-heavy girl myself, sometimes its a challenge finding the right denim that fits right and holds it all in and PZI by Lisa Raye does just that...so the product speaks to me," mentions Porcelan.

ABOUT PORCELAN 
Her name is PORCELAN!

Recording artist and songwriter, born and Raised in the Westwood area of South Memphis, TN. is today's contemporary urban/R&B “It Girl”.

PORCELAN couldn’t help but ultimately pursue her musical aspirations, having immediately absorbed her historic musical surroundings from a young age while growing up in a family of instinctively musical people. “I don’t really remember it being anything I heard on the radio; I really m remember it being my family, like my Mom singing,” recalls the breakout songstress, when asked about the source of her first musical impression. “My parents are singers and musicians, so at family reunions it was really like `a thing'.

Spurred by the encouragement of a fifth grade teacher who heard her voice early on, along with long car rides with her Mom listening and singing along to the likes of Bobby Womack, Al Green, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Marvin Gaye, school-aged PORCELAN found herself auditioning and performing for school graduation ceremonies which soon thereafter uncovered another musical gift…writing. “I started writing poetry I middle-school and realized I was good at it,” PORCELAN recounts.

In keeping with that momentum, PORCELAN focused on building her reputation in music circles, doing everything from appearing on BET’s 106th & Park, collaborating on material with super-producer Timbaland, opening for Tank and gaining invaluable performance experience via a three-month tour of China with a cover band. “Doing show bands is totally different from being an original artist, so I had to learn how to entertain in that realm. Even though I was new to it, I started being around a lot of seasoned people who showed me the ropes."

PORCELAN soon found herself in the studio with David Porter and fellow Made In Memphis songwriters/producers Hamilton Hardin and DeNarious Holmes recording her smoothed-out adult R&B debut single “The Real Thing Don’t Change” (along with “The One” and “Can You Hear Me Now”), which soon thereafter facilitated notable and buzz-worthy live bookings at SXSW (South By Southwest) and Essence music festivals. Once audience members and radio programmers increasingly grew aware of her simultaneously promoted EP, response to her second single release – the infectiously sumptuous beat ballad, “Lois Lane” – PORCELAN found her dream unfolding as she made her way up the Billboard R&B chart straight into the Top 15.

While newfound fans await the forthcoming debut album, "Mood Ring", scheduled to be released later this spring, a steady-on-her-grind PORCELAN delivered her first Christmas album, "Joyful Hearts: A Season of Love", this past Holiday season. A most contemporary-sounding Christmas set which further displayed her knack for composing vibrantly soulful songs amidst thoroughly-pleasing, contemporary production.

R&B SUPERSTAR NOEL GOURDIN RETURNS WITH NEW SINGLE, "LOVIN' UP (YOU)....

It’s official! R&B Superstar Noel Gourdin is back with a new single, titled “Loving Up (YOU)”, and it’s on fire.

LOVIN' UP (YOU) is a wonderful mid-tempo track that has a great 90’s R&B/HipHop vibe (think Stevie Wonder/Michael Jackson “I Can't Help It”). There is an undeniable hypnotic groove that Noel Soulfully navigates through in his own inimitable style that will have the listener toe tapping and finger popping. The song was written by Noel Gourdin and Canita Rogers and produced by Tone Jonez and Regi Myrix.

I wanted to record a light hearted record for the project, because Marquis Green and I had written some pretty heavy-toned records (Strugglin', Low Down) prior to me writing "Lovin' UP:", mentions Noel. "It pretty much tells the story of how in love this man is with his woman, and how he assures her that he's so deeply enthralled with her that he has no thoughts nor desires for "Lovin' UP" anyone else but her", he adds. "I am now in an amazing new relationship, and I'm incredibly happy. So I'd say that she played a huge role in the inspiration and motivation department for me to create this record as I did”.

Click the links below to get a taste of what you’ve been missing….

Audio

ABOUT NOEL GOURDIN
Soul and R&B singer Noel Gourdin emerged on the music scene with his number one hit song “The River” which stayed on the Urban AC charts at number one for 15 weeks! Noel’s childhood was not a traditional one; he was born in Brockton, MA but spent his summers with family in Pachuta, Mississippi. The result is a man who is city to the heart but southern to the soul! Noel scored a deal with Sony Music at age 24, but his first exposure to the vocal arts came in church and he was introduced to the larger audience of soul music by his father (who introduced him to the classics, such as Otis Redding) and his brother (who turned him on to the sounds of new jack swing). Noel is influenced by classic soul as well as the contemporary sounds of R&B and hip-hop. Making his music is a seamless blend of each genre. “Listening to so much music from so many different eras really helped me put my style together,” explains the gifted singer- songwriter.

In 2004 Gourdin contributed the song “Family Reunion” to the soundtrack of the movie “The Cookout”. In 2005 a meeting with Sony Music led to a summer showcase which landed Noel on Sony Music’s roster and resulted in his 2008 debut album "After My Time", which is a refreshing mix of timeless R&B music with a modern, youthful feel which produced his number one hit song “The River.” The album is armed with Noel’s commanding rich vocals and a solid collection of intimate, soulful songs. The hit song, “The River” was featured on the soundtrack to the film, “Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins.” Noel’s sophomore album “Fresh: The Definition” released in 2011 was filled with refreshing blend of live instrumentation, organic production, and lyrical content which is reminiscent of classic old soul yet relatable to current music and lyrics. “Fresh: The Definition” produced “Beautiful, “which reached the Top 10 on the Urban AC charts.

In 2012 Noel finished a successful run of sold outs shows in the UK. He released his third project entitled “City Heart, Southern Soul” on February 18, 2014. “City Heart, Southern Soul” is a musical expression of Noel’s life. “The project was a culmination of creating and molding Retro-Relevant music, with underappreciated producers and writers,” says Gourdin. The project produced hits like “FOXXXY” which made top 10 on UK’s urban radio soul charts and was also in heavy rotation on UK radio. The single “Don’t You Wanna” was featured on VH1’s “Love and Hip Hop – Atlanta”. “Heaven Knows” is another one of Noel’s singles that quickly became a fan favorite. Noel is also featured on Brian Culbertson’s single “You're My Music" off the “Dreams” album which also earned heavy radio rotation.

The most recent endeavor the singer-songwriter has undertaken is his role in creating the title track to a new film. The name of the film is "Love n Success", written by the Baz Brothers in Atlanta, GA. As Noel tells it, “I watched the film and it really made me think how tough it is to know when love is true. I feel I was able to capture the essence of the film, so I developed a basic idea for the track. Thanks to assistance with Ty Allen Macklin and Charles Brandon, I finished writing the record, then recorded it at GoldStreet Music. We later got Aaron Stapler to lay down the guitar and that was that!”

“I grew up on music that had meaning and it’s still around today; music was made in the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s. That’s something that my father had me listening to. I just want to be a positive black role model as well as a role model for anyone, regardless of their ethnic background as my music transcends across all color lines. It’s really important for me to be respectful and have music that can speak to the masses, from a two year old to your Great GrandMAMA! Musical integrity is extremely important to me, for when I leave the industry, my musical legacy is what I want to be remembered for..... timeless, real and soulful music.”

NAACP Image Award Nominee, OMAR WILSON aka (The Black Sinatra) Releases His New Single "THE GROOVE"

R&B Superstar Omar Wilson is back with his newest smash, The Groove!

unnamed-2.png

"THE GROOVE" is an old-school two-step dance track mixed with today's R&B that tells the story of a man whom met a girl at a club and is determined to make her the love of his life. The feel-good single is available now via all streaming and download platforms via the BSE Recordings/Orchard/Sony Label imprint.

"THE GROOVE" was written by Louis HumphreyOmar WilsonEdwin Ramos and Jasmon Joyner and produced by Louis HumphreyEdwin Ramos and Jasmon Joyner. Early worldwide "groovers" already two-stepping to "The Groove" with airplay includes; United KingdomBelize, Jamaica, GranadaCayman IslandsDominican RepublicFranceJapanPuerto RicoSouth AfricaWest IndiesChicagoLos AngelesConnecticutMiamiNew YorkDetroit and Cleveland, just to name a few.

Check it out for yourself below!

Billboard Chart-topping Female Hip-hop Recording Artist T BARZ Releases The "In-your-face" New Single "STOP PLAYING" Featuring LIA GIVENCHY

Photo courtesy of 2R’s Entertainment

Photo courtesy of 2R’s Entertainment

Hip-Hop artist T Barz is kicking off 2020 with new heat in the form of single “Stop Playing” featuring Lia Givenchy.

"STOP PLAYING, is written and produced by T BarzLouis Humphreyand Jasmon Joyner and co-written by Lia Givenchy. The in-your-face single is a powerful collaboration with Hip-hop rising star LIA GIVENCHY as she and T BARZ boldly take on the points of views of being strong females in the Hip-hop industry, and how both of these underrated artists manage to stand out from the crowd. T BARZ, from Alabama, and Givenchy, from Flatbush Brooklyn, are creating flow and making their mark as female rappers and emcees. The track has the modern sound of Meek Mill blended with the style of Lauryn Hill. Their message is both powerful and positive".

The new single is available below for your enjoyment.

Tamika Scott Sets the Game Ablaze with New Single, "Go Outside In The Rain"....

Photo: Tamika Scott; Courtesy of 2R’s Entertainment

Photo: Tamika Scott; Courtesy of 2R’s Entertainment

Escapee’s very own Tamika Scott has set the game on fire with her rendition of the R&B classic, “Go Outside In The Rain”. The emotional ballad is making its way to listeners hearts as the song is the #30 R&B song in the country with a bullet this week according to mediabase. The Juice BigFellow directed music video captures the feeling of one going through a difficult time and shows the support of friends and family during this process. Notable celebrity friends in the video are Trina Braxton and Patrice Lovely.

"Go Outside In The Rain" was written by Darryl Black and produced by Wirlie Morris. “I recorded this song as a tribute to Milira and the original version from the 1990’s. I have always loved this song! I have been singing it since I was a teenager and won several talent shows with this song," mentions Tamika. "We, (XSCAPE) used to sing it as kids and since I’m the last member to release a solo project, I put it on my EP at the suggested request of my husband, since none of the other ladies put it on their solo projects,” she adds.

Click the links below to check out either the ACAPELLA version, or the exclusive video!

@ARIKAKANE Releases Chains....

IMG_5973.JPG

Check out the hot new single #Chains from R&B songstress Arika Kane!!!  

 https://soundcloud.com/arikakane/arika-kane-chains

Arika is no stranger to the music and entertainment worlds. She is known to many as  the  VH1 Songstress. She has had over 80 synchronization placements within the Viacom network on various shows that include VH1, BET and MTV with multiple features on shows like “Love and Hip Hop”, “Basketball Wives” and “Single Ladies”. Kane scored 2 major theme songs on television with her song “Make It” that you heard on VH1’s TV series “Hollywood Exes” and “Atlanta Exes”.


In 2014, Arika Kane lit up international radio with her song “It’s There”, an epic collaboration with the legendary Brian McKnight. This timeless ballad climbed the U.S. sales charts reaching #1 in R&B. It also climbed the Billboard charts reaching #8 in Billboard Sales and was quickly cherished by music fans of all-genres worldwide.


In 2016 Kane released “The Remix Album” which took over the U.S. sales charts climbing to the #1 position and staying the #1 Dance Album in the country for 10 weeks. “The Remix Album” also charted in Billboard in both the Heat-seekers chart and the Top 25 Dance charts for 8 weeks straight.  Kane’s chops and her music cross all-genres. Her message is liberating, inspirational and positive. Kane takes pride in creating music that empowers everyone especially women. Her songwriting and producing skills make her a triple threat. With having over 10 songs that reached #1 in U.S. best sellers in both the R&B and Pop genres, Kane has shown and proved that she is a force to be reckoned with.

 https://soundcloud.com/arikakane/arika-kane-chains

[AUDIO] @LEDISI RETURNS WITH NEW BANGER, "HIGH"....

It's a great time for soul music right now, as singer and songwriter Ledisi has returned with what is guaranteed to be a huge hit. Check out her new sing, "High", below...

Ledisi's new album is due later this year!

 

Buy the single! iTunes - http://smarturl.it/LedisiHigh_iTu Stream it on: Apple Music - http://smarturl.it/LedisiHigh_Ap Spotify - http://smarturl.it/LedisiHigh_Sp Official Website: http://smarturl.it/Ledisi_W Facebook: http://smarturl.it/Ledisi_FB Twitter: http://smarturl.it/Ledisi_TW Instagram: http://smarturl.it/Ledisi_IG YouTube: http://smarturl.it/Ledisi_YT YouTube Vevo: http://smarturl.it/Ledisi_YTV Music video by Ledisi performing High. (C) 2017 Verve Label Group, a Division of UMG Recordings, Inc. http://vevo.ly/L1uzcO

@organizednoize Announce New Album, featuring @bigboi, @2chainz, & More

The collective known as Organized Noize, who have been the force behind groups like Outkast, Goodie Mob, and more, have announced a new compilation to hit the streets. The list of collaborators includes Big Boi, Cee-Lo Green, Joi Gilliam, and 2 Chainz, among others. Titled ONP EP, it'll hit the streets May 4.

Listen to the first single, Kush, below!

@BoiBoi Releases Two New Singles...

IMG_3331.JPG

Rapper Big Boi of the LEGENDARY group Outkast is hitting fans hard with a pair of new singles! Always on his A-game, he pulls not shorts in releasing that ultimate fire 🔥 to get folks hype! Check out #MikeJac feat. #AdamLevine & #KillJill feat. #KillerMike & #YoungJeezy below!!! 

 

 

@iamkrayziebone & #BizzyBone Join for Joint Album...

Following more than twenty years in music, Krayzie Bone and Bizzy Bone have finally joined forces for a long-awaited joint album. Fans alike have anticipated the album for much of the group's career. Titled "New Waves", the album is set to drop in June.  

 

Check out the lead single, "Coming Home" below, which features guest vocals from Stephen Marley.  

TLC Officially Back with New Single, "Way Back", featuring @snoopdogg

IMG_3223.JPG

The ladies of #TLC are back with their new single, Way Back, featuring Snoop Dogg! It's a hot new west coast vibe for the ladies, and it's definitely next level for T-Boz & Chilli. "Way Back" stands as the lead single to their final album, which is due in stores this June. Take a listen to the track below, and be sure to comment with your thoughts! 

 

 

@thegreatkhalid Wins Big at The MTV Woodies....

New artist Khalid hit it big tonight at the MTV Woodies! Hailing straight out of El Paso, TX, the up and coming R&B artist is well on his way to superstardom, as his debut album, American Teen, landed in the top 10 this past week on the infamous Billboard 200. 

Tonight, he received further vindication in the name of a coveted award, the MTV Woodie to Watch award. Watch below as he hits the stage to perform!

You can also catch the full show by logging into your cable providers at www.mtv.com/woodies

RECAP: The MTV Woodies | SXSW

The night is done, and another amazing event has jumped off in the name of SXSW (South by Southwest) The MTV Woodies. Hosted annually in Austin, Texas, The MTV Woodies serves as the ultimate vehicle for urban music's brightest emerging talent.

The leading entertainment network pulled no stops in this year's show, as it featured guest host and performer Rick Ross, who coincidentally released his anticipated new album when it was all said and done, plus performances from the likes of Young M,A,, Bibi Bourelly, D.R.A.M., Jidenna, and a host of others. 

Winners for the night included Khalid, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Ed Sheeran, & The Chainsmokers. You can head on over to www.mtv.com/woodies for the full rundown. 

Take a look below at this exclusive recap performance from D.R.A.M., courtesy of MTV!