Author Archives: Melissa Jenaye
ARTIST TO WATCH: Steve Lovell
Imagine Whitney Houston, Bilal and Luther Vandross on one song. Sounds amazing, right? Well, Steve Lovell comes pretty close.
Singer/ Songwriter Steve Lovell studied music at Berklee College of Music in Boston. In between classes, his music career took off and he shows no signs of slowing down. Lovell has opened for Dr. Maya Angelou, Savion Glover and Chrisette Michele. He also sung background for Jennifer Holiday and shared the stage with Gospel singers Donnie McClurklin, Kirk Franklin, Vickie Winans and Byron Cage at the McDonald’s Gospel Fest.
Whatever stage he graces, his shows are definitely worth attending. His stage presence is unmatched and the vocals complete the package. I had the pleasure of attending one of his performances and by the end of the night I was up dancing, heels and all. I am usually the girl sitting on the bar stool with my legs crossed to showcase my shoes but rarely get up to dance because I can’t bare the pain the shoes cause my feet after about four songs. So the fact that Lovell’s performance had me dancing says ALOT.
I think what makes an artist an Artist to Watch is the refreshing energy they bring to the music scene. Steve Lovell is no different. His voice is powerful yet beautifully intimate. Lovell is SUPER talented and original. I encourage you to follow his career! Peep one of his videos below.
www.stevelovellmusic.com
Follow @_Stevelovell
“Like” Steve Lovell on Facebook
Nicki Minaj + Ricky Martin on MAC Press Tour
Nicki Minaj and Ricky Martin have been on press tour promoting a HIV/AIDS Awareness Campaign created by mega beauty brand MAC Cosmetics. The two new VIVA GLAM ambassadors stopped at Good Morning America and Live! With Kelly to briefly talk about the cause, their MAC partnership, the dynamic between the two and upcoming projects for each of them. Also the pair graced the powder pink carpet at a launch party for the line.
Peep a video of the 2 at Live! With Kelly below:
and a BTS video from the campaign shoot:
MUST HEAR: “Cartoon & Cereal” – Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar’s new “Cartoon & Cereal” track is kind of weird but it commanded my attention and I LOVE IT! I always knew that Kendrick would be on my list of Top 10 rappers but his style is growing on me. I’m ashamed it took this long but nonetheless I am a fan.
“Cartoon & Cereal” features Gunplay and was produced by THC. I’m hoping this song will be on his upcoming Good Kid in a Mad City album.
Breaking News: Whitney Houston Dies at 48
It has been reported that singer and actress Whitney Houston has died today, Saturday (February 11) at the age of 48. The cause of her death is unknown but she was found in her Beverly Hills Hilton room just hours before mentor Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy party.
This news saddens me and I am positive I am not alone. Whitney was my favorite singer and truly one of a kind. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
I couldn’t end this post without my favorite song of all time. Enjoy!
VIDEO: NYC Soul Train Flash Mob
This past Saturday (Feb. 4th), hundreds of Soul Train fans graced New York’s Times Square to recreate the famous Soul Train lines in a flash mob honoring Don Cornelius. The creator of Soul Train committed suicide last Wednesday. While people are shocked and overwhelmed with the sad news of Cornelius’ death, the show was always so energetic and fun making a flash mob an appropriate way to honor and remember such a pioneer.
Trey Songz Weighs In On Cyber Bullying in VMAN
In her very first Interview, super-model Selita Ebanks sits down with singer Trey Songz for VMAN. In the Trey dished about his upcoming album, touring, his foundation and bullying. Peep his thoughts on cyber-bullying below.
SE There has been a lot of cyber bullying and a lot of hate toward young people, through the Internet, texting, and things of that nature. What message would you send to young people as far as bullying goes?
TS Bullying is childish, and a lot of kids get stuck in situations where obviously something is wrong at home, so it’s kind of a release for them. It’s a comfort blanket and it’s affecting so many people as well as themselves. It’s important to speak not only to the people being bullied but to the bullies as well. To the people out there who are being bullied, just stay strong. There’s only one you. I tell this to people all the time, to kids, to grown men, grown women: there’s only one you, and to think that being you is not enough is to say that God didn’t do his job, because He only made one you, and that alone should show you that you’re special. [SOURCE]
Read the entire interview and see exclusive VMAN pics of Trey Songz at VMAN.com
Singer Mario Starts Substance Abuse Program for Baltimore Students
We haven’t heard much music from Singer Mario lately but he has been out and about making positive moves for his community.
The Baltimore native has never kept his mother’s substance abuse a secret and has been very upfront about his experiences. Now Mario is using his experiences to help other kids in a substance abuse program targeted to middle and high school students in the Baltimore area. The Mario Do Right Foundation and the REACH! School have teamed up for a:
program will promote healthy alternatives to smoking, alcohol and drug use. It will also teach the kids techniques to resist peer pressure to engage in these activities. There will also be referrals for parents to the University of Maryland Medical Center for substance abuse treatment. [SOURCE]
Way to go Mario for turning a negative experience into positive energy.
