It seems almost as if Sade has taken to grace listeners with its smooth, signature sound about once a decade, and Soldier of Love is right on schedule, the group’s first studio album in exactly 9 years, 2 months and 26 days. Fans will understand the significance of mentioning the time passed as each album following 1988’s Stronger Than Pride has suffered a longer lapse of time than its predecessor.
If that truly is the case, it may be some time after 2020 before we hear from Sade again. But let’s not dwell on that unfortunate news; for the moment Sade and the guys are back!
Frontwoman and lead vocalist Helen Folasade Adu along with Stuart Matthewman on guitar and saxophone, Paul Spencer Denman on bass and Andrew Hale on keyboards have been together since 1982, and in a span of over 25 years, they’ve released six albums (including Soldier of Love) and sold over 50 million albums worldwide. Sade says, “I only make records when I feel I have something say. I’m not interested in releasing music just for the sake of selling something.”
R&B singer/songwriter Jaheim returns for Another Round while reintroducing his signature, soulful sound on his fifth studio effort. It was nine years ago that he hit the scene with Ghetto Love, which immediately garnered the 22-year-old comparisons to greats like Teddy Pendergrass and Luther Vandross. But Jaheim is truly in a league of his own.
A young man with an old soul, Jaheim manages to transcend the status quo of contemporary R&B without resorting to explicit lyrics and overproduced beats. He could teach the younger guys in the game a thing or two about saying what they feel when it comes to the opposite sex and doing so in a way illustrating maturity and sincerity. But that’s not exactly the world in which we live, as evidenced on the title track which deviates from the usual Jaheim sound. It’s not necessarily a bad track (in fact, it’s quite radio-friendly), but it is quite ill-fitting in the midst of everything else.
Here’s something extra from Corinne Bailey Rae. The iTunes version of The Sea includes a cover of Jimi Hendrix’s classic “Little Wing”. The Sea is available now.
Ludacris teams up with the quickly advancing newcomer, Young Money signee Nicki Minaj for the track, “My Chick’s Bad.”
The new track, produced by The Legendary Traxster, is supposedly from Ludacris’s upcoming seventh project, Battle of the Sexes, which was originally supposed to be duo album with him and previous Disturbing Tha Peace signee, Shawnna. But it seems as though the direction of the project has changed after her departure from the label.
Battle of the Sexes, now led by the single, “How Low,” will now be a collaboration album with a flurry of cameos, including Ne-Yo, Trina, Monica, Flo-Rida, Ciara, Pharrell Williams, Trey Songz and Trina, to name a few.
Ludacris’s new album is scheduled to drop on March 9th.
Soul singer Erykah Badu debuts her first single, “Window Seat” from her upcoming fifth studio album, New Amerykah, Part II: Return of the Ankh.
The album is Badu’s follow-up to her 2008 release of the same title, and unlike it’s prequel, will feature more live instruments (the previous record was digitally produced in it’s entirety) and “taps into Badu’s emotional side by thematically focusing on romance and relationships.”
The track was co-produced by herself and James Poyser. The album is set to hit shelves March 30th, via Universal Motown Records.
The dynamic duo of Lady Gaga and Beyonce team up for Gaga’s second single from The Fame Monster, “Telephone.”
The original track was produced by Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, but the official remix was produced by State of Emergency, consisting of Donnie Scantz and Jahi Sundance.
And Concete Loop is giving you an exclusive first listen!
In addition to the release of the remix, Gaga and Beyonce shot a video for the single in Los Angeles last week. The high-concept video finds Beyonce breaking Lady Gaga out of jail. Famed film director Quentin Tarantino loaned the infamous “Pussy Wagon” from his cult classic, Kill Bill.
The video is rumored to be directed by Jonas Akerlund, who directed Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi” short film, and will feature a cameo from singer/model, Tyrese. It is said to premiere on February 10th.
Ne-Yo has partnered with Macy’s to promote positive, healthy relationships benefiting the RESPECT! Campaign and premiered his new ballad, “Heroes”, Monday on Late Night with David Letterman.
The single is available for free download at macys.com/ne-yo. For every download $1 will be donated to the RESPECT! Campaign, up to $50,000 on behalf of Macy’s menswear brand Alfani.
It seems almost as if Sade has taken to grace listeners with its smooth, signature sound about once a decade, and Soldier of Love is right on schedule, the group’s first studio album in exactly 9 years, 2 months and 26 days. Fans will understand the significance of mentioning the time passed as each album following 1988’s Stronger Than Pride has suffered a longer lapse of time than its predecessor. 
The original track was produced by Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, but the official remix was produced by State of Emergency, consisting of Donnie Scantz and Jahi Sundance. 
