Female rappers have long been underrepresented in hip hop, but two artists who’ve blazed their own trails — Chicago rapper Psalm One and Minneapolis artist Dessa — will bring female rap to the forefront Monday at Downtown Sound, Millennium Park’s free summer music series.
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The R&B singer battled back from years of drug addiction and homelessness to become a two-time Grammy nominated artist.
Kem, who begin playing the keyboard at five years old and writing songs in middle school, credits his faith in God for his success.
“Music has always been a part of my life throughout my addiction,” the singer said. “My faith is my foundation and I look at my music as a ministry.”
“People hear about my struggle and what they are witnessing is a miracle,” he said. “I don’t take it lightly and I speak about it on stage where ever I go.”
Kem will be performing along with Chrisette Michele at the Valentine’s Love Affair concert Saturday at the Arie Crown Theater.
Continue reading “Kem overcomes drug addiction to become Grammy nominated artist”
Couples can celebrate the holiday by dancing up a sweat at the New Jack Swing Valentine Jam Thursday night at the Arie Crown Theater.
The concert includes R&B performers from the ‘80s and ‘90s Guy; Tony, Toni, Tone; SWV; Dru Hill; and Al B. Sure.
Dwayne Wiggins of Tony, Toni, Tone said he is looking forward to performing on his birthday, which falls on Valentine’s Day.
This year also marks the group’s 25th anniversary in the music business, Wiggins said.
“Expect us to celebrate like it‘s our anniversary, no pun intended,” said Wiggins, alluding to the group’s 1993 hit single “Anniversary.”
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As lead singer of funk group the Gap Band, Charlie Wilson enjoyed a string of hits in the 1970s and 1980s before losing his musical momentum to drugs and alcohol. After a stint in rehab, Wilson got his career back on track as a trusted adviser for some prominent rappers.
Wilson is now enjoying success as a solo artist. He performs songs from his musical career, which spans nearly four decades, during a New Year’s Eve concert at the Chicago Theatre.
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In the 1980s, the R&B/funk group Cameo hit the mainstream with singer Larry Blackmon leading the way with his signature red codpiece and famous “owww”catchphrase.
Now, more than 30 years later, Cameo continues to tour and will perform its classic funk jams Saturday alongside R&B stars Morris Day & the Time, and Steve Arrington at the Fantastic Funk Jam, presented by radio station V103 (WVAZ-FM), at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond.
Continue reading “Cameo’s ’80s funk still in the groove”
Singer Melanie Fiona discussed her love of old school music, winning two Grammys, and touring with two veterans in the game– Mary J. Blige and D’Angelo.
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Soul singer Raphael Saadiq is looking forward to two things when he performs Saturday at the Taste of Chicago: Latin food and horseback riding.
Check out the former Tony! Toni! Tone! band member’s favorite haunts in the Windy City here.
When First Lady Michelle Obama offers up her iPod playlist — and says you have a “really pretty voice” — a gig at the White House is the next step.
Grammy nominated singer Ledisi performs at the Country Club Hills Theatre Thursday on her second tour “Be Good to Yourself,” along with Eric Benet.
Read more about the R&B singer here.
Before there was Robin Thicke, there was Jon B.
The R&B singer released his first totally independent album, “Comfortable Swagg,” through his own label Vibezelect Inc. earlier this year.
The album was entirely produced and written by Jon B.
Check out the title track, “Comfortable Swagg” below the cut.
Continue reading “Video: Jon B. ‘Comfortable Swagg’”
Check out my interview in the Chicago Sun-Times newspaper with Tony- and Grammy Award-winning singer Jennifer Holliday as this year marks the 30th anniversary of the Broadway production of “Dreamgirls.”
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