NEW MUSIC FRIDAY! (AUDIO LINK) Multi-Award Winning Singer-Songwriter-Producer, ERIC ROBERSON Releases New Single, "WHERE YOU GONNA GO" Featuring BJ THE CHICAGO KID…

R&B fans are in for a helluva treat for NEW MUSIC FRIDAYS!!! Pardon our excitement, but this week’s delivery comes courtesy of one our OUR favorite artists, and as an added bonus, features another of our favorites!

Below, find and enjoy the new single, "WHERE YOU GONNA GO" from multi-award winning singer-songwriter-producer, ERIC ROBERSON featuring Grammy nominated singer-songwriter, BJ THE CHICAGO KID. The beautifully-pended neo-soul tune, will be globally available on all streaming/download platforms on Friday, April 4th, 2025.

"WHERE YOU GONNA GO" was written by Eric Roberson, Bryan James Sledge and Rodney Jones and produced by Eric Roberson, and Rodney Jones for Art of Artez Productions. “Where You Gonna Go” is a song that explores simple extremes”, says Roberson. “It’s inspired by a question I ask myself to help the sunshine, even when facing storms.“ A lullaby hook blended with 70’s soul, Detroit hip hop, and 3/4 gospel undertones invite listeners to engage in everything from slow dancing with a partner to praying for them. The song’s mission is to enhance people’s self-worth and growth," he adds.

Being no stranger to driving emotions in the right direction, while blending soulful melodies with heartfelt lyrics that resonate with love, loss and reflection, Eric Roberson, continues to prove why he has been called the co-Captain of the Neo-soul movement for all of these years. Whether over the course of his seventeen beloved LPs (2001’s The Esoteric Movement to 2022’s Lessons) or through songwriting/production/vocal collaborations with the likes of Jill Scott, Dwele, Musiq Soulchild, Vivian Green, DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Spinna and others, fine-tuned R&B music ears have come to recognize and make a somewhat spiritual connection with his everyday relatable, multi-influenced vibe which mirrors their own lives and experiences. “It’s R&B and soul music, but I’m a hip-hop dude,” Eric replies, of his influences as it relates to his music’s appeal.

Indeed, nothing less than heartfelt gratitude for the blessing of being able to continue releasing music through his very own Blue Erro Soul Entertainment, as well as accolades which have included two successive Grammy nominations for “Best Urban/Alternative Performance” (for “A Tale of two” in 2010; “Still” in 2011), a BET J Virtual Award for “Underground Artist of the Year” (2008), being distinguished as the first independent artist to be nominated for a BET Award in 2007 and sold-out tours throughout the world is what makes Eric Roberson, "The Soul Man himself".

(AUDIO LINK) "WHERE YOU GONNA GO" by ERIC ROBERSON featuring BJ THE CHICAGO KID

(MP3 Format) "WHERE YOU GONNA GO" by ERIC ROBERSON featuring BJ THE CHICAGO KID

Multi-Award Winning Singer-Songwriter-Producer, ZACARDI CORTEZ Releases New Single, "WORK IT OUT FOR ME" And Readies The Release of Upcoming EP,"Ibhar: HE THAT IS CHOSEN (Chapter1)"…

It’s a great day of favor and reward, as the world is waking to the latest single release, "WORK IT OUT FOR ME" from multi-award winning singer-songwriter-producer, ZACARDI CORTEZ. The smash single, presented as an audio/piano session, is globally available now on all streaming/download platforms, via the ZetRoc Ent/BlackSmoke Music label imprint.

"WORK IT OUT FOR ME" was written by Travis Malloy and produced by Morgan Turner. “The song was submitted to me by my good friend Travis Malloy. When I heard it, I immediately locked in on it… I don’t know when he first wrote it, but I felt like the song was written just for me. I don’t even feel like I do it justice; it’s just a BIG song,” shares Zacardi Cortez.

"Work It Out For Me" is the lead single from Zacardi's anticipated forthcoming EP, "Ibhar: He That Is Chosen (Chapter 1)." The 7-song project, will globally release on May 9th, via the ZetRoc Ent./BlackSmoke label imprint. Taking the lead again on production, Zacardi crafts a masterful body of work, including features by Jekalyn Carr, Chrystal Rucker, Jason Nelson and Jonathan Nelson.

(AUDIO LINK) "WORK IT OUT FOR ME" by ZACARDI CORTEZ

(VIDEO LINK- PIANO SESSIONS Episode 1) "WORK IT OUT FOR ME" by ZACARDI CORTEZ

ZACARDI CORTEZ TOUR DATES

•4/11 Los Angeles, CA

•4/18 New Haven, CT

•5/2 Appleton, WI

•5/3 Cincinnati, OH I Hear Music Conference

•5/4 Little Rock, AR

•5/8 Salisbury, MD

•5/10 Baltimore, MD

•5/11 Atlanta, GA

•5/17 Houston, TX - Praise In the Park

•5/18 Phoenix, AZ

•5/25 Ft. Lauderdale, FL

ABOUT ZACARDI CORTEZ

One of the most talked about voices in gospel music belongs to Grammy Nominated, 3x Stellar and BMI Award-Winning artist Zacardi Cortez. Born in Houston, TX, Cortez hails from a singing family rooted in faith.

At the age of five he began singing in church and working in the Texas gospel circuit with his family, The Cortez Singers. At age 8, Pastor John P. Kee, adopted him as a spiritual son and began mentoring him. For a while, Cortez sang with Kee’s V.I.P. Mass Choir even singing a solo on the CD, Live at the Fellowship, in 2001. He later made guest appearances on recordings by Kurt Carr, Bishop Paul S. Morton and Pastor Gregg Patrick & the Bridge Project. During the early years of his career, Cortez’ big voice and spine-tingling vocal gymnastics distinguished James Fortune & FIYA’s radio smashes “Let Your Power Fall,” “I Believe” and “The Blood.”

Cortez’s current radio single “Work It Out For Me,” penned by Travis Malloy, rides the wave of his massive viral hit “Lord Do It Again” which has surpassed 35MIL streams. The current single comes from the May 9th ZetRoc Ent./BlackSmoke Music EP release of Ibhar: He That Is Chosen (Chap. 1). Taking the lead again on production, Zacardi crafts a masterful body of work, including features by Jekalyn Carr, Chrystal Rucker, Jason Nelson and Jonathan Nelson.

Zacardi Cortez has had four #1 Billboard Gospel Airplay singles; most recently “Lord Do It Again;” a song he penned for his album Imprint. His 2019 #1 Billboard single “You Don’t Know,” is also written by Cortez joined by James Fortune, composed by Marcus Calyen and produced by AyRon Lewis. Zacardi had a prior 12 week run at #1 on the same chart for the song “God Held Me (Together).” Other Top 10 radio hits include “YDIA,” “1-On-1,” and “One More Time,” and “I Made It Out” with the latter two songs with his Mentor, Pastor John P. Kee.

Zacardi Cortez has enjoyed appearances on major platforms including The Stellar Awards and Black Music Honors, along with releasing three Top 10 albums, The Introduction (2012), Reloaded (2014), Imprint: Live in Memphis (2022).

CONNECT WITH ZACARDI CORTEZ
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Billboard Chart-topping Singer-Songwriter, J. BROWN Secures His 7th TOP 10 Billboard R&B Song With His Latest Single, "TRUE LOVE"…

Congratulations are in order, for rising star and Billboard chart-topping singer-songwriter, J. BROWN securing his 7th Billboard Top 10 single and his 8th Top 20 single on the Billboard R&B charts with his latest smash song, "TRUE LOVE."

"TRUE LOVE," the latest single by J. BROWN snags the 10th spot on this week's Billboard R&B charts, making it J. BROWN's 7th Top 10 Billboard R&B song in the last 5 years. This chart accomplishment also allows J. BROWN to celebrate his 8th Billboard Top 20 song on the charts.

"TRUE LOVE," a soul-stirring anthem of devotion and resilience. "Even if I'm the last man on the battlefield, I'll fight for True Love," J. Brown passionately declares. The track is a tribute to everyone who has ever stood tall for love—despite the odds, the wounds, and the battles. With gripping lyrics and undeniable passion, "True Love" reminds us all that love, in its purest form, is worth every struggle.

In 2024, J. BROWN scored (2) #1 Billboard R&B songs with "My Whole Heart" (spent three weeks at #1) and "If You Could See You," (which spent two weeks at #1). J. Brown recently released his highly anticipated third studio album, "JUST A MATTER OF TIME", to rave reviews. It is a masterful blend of soul, vulnerability, and raw emotion.

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(VIDEO LINK) "TRUE LOVE" by J. BROWN

J. Brown reflects on his creative journey for this project: "I wanted to create an album where I was in a space of total creativity. When Carvin Haggins GRAMMY® Award winning Producer & Songwriter Will Smith, Jill Scott, and Musiq Soulchild called and suggested we get back in the studio, we dove deep into honest conversations in music—something I feel is missing in today's R&B. Together with Carvin and his team, TheRing, we spent seven months crafting the right concepts, tackling real-life topics, and capturing the essence of love, pain, and growth." "Are You Still Mad" explores universal relationship tension with heartfelt authenticity. With lyrics like "It's been eight days, I gave space, I hate to fight with you, can we call a truce?" the song captures the ebb and flow of love's emotional battles, resonating with anyone who has ever navigated the complexities of connection.

J. Brown also teamed up with the extraordinary Elijah Blake, a longtime collaborator, and producer, Roark Bailey. He has produced hits for Saweetie, Summer Walker, Kanye West, and Chris Brown, who brought him the poignant track "MAH DEAR." With its nostalgic undertones reminiscent of Sam Cooke, the song is a heartfelt homage to timeless soul, delivering a fresh and familiar sound. The album's title, "Just A Matter Of Time", wasn't a calculated choice but an organic revelation. "As the project came together, it became clear that this was a story of the highs and lows of love—a man's journey of wanting, finding, and sometimes losing it. Naming the album Just A Matter Of Time just felt right, and I promise it will resonate deeply with listeners."

With this new album, J. Brown invites fans to witness his evolution—not just as an artist, but as a man. "Just A Matter Of Time" is a soulful and heartfelt chronicle of love, growth, and resilience, promising to captivate listeners and cement J. Brown's place as a leading voice in modern R&B. Prepare to be moved to the perfect blend of sound from the past greats of Philadelphia International Records and the Motown movement.

"JUST A MATTER OF TIME" (TRACKLISTING)

1. Luvalude

2. Mah Dear

3. If You Want It

4. More Than Just A Mood

5. Show Me Everything

6. My Baby (featuring M11SSION)

7. Forever

8. Madlude

9. Are You Still Mad

10. All The While

11. H.O.E. (Heaven On Earth)

12. True Love

13. Just A Matter of Time (featuring October London)

(New Music Friday) Music Royalty, Multi-Award Winning Singer-Songwriter and Producer, LALAH HATHAWAY Releases Her Anticipated Eighth Studio Album, "VANTABLACK" (TODAY)…

Music royalty and multi-award winning singer-songwriter-producer and activist, LALAH HATHAWAY is gearing up for the release of her anticipated eighth studio album, "VANTABLACK", which is globally available now, via the Hathaway Entertainment/SRG-ILS Group (Virgin Music Group) label imprint. The 16-track masterpiece, features an all-star line-up that includes the likes of; Common, MC Lyte, Rapsody, Michael McDonald, Phonte, Gerald Albright and WILLOW.

Lalah Hathaway comments, "VANTABLACK was always the name of the project. I started reframing how I saw color, in terms of being the blackest I've ever been and even though I'm steeped in who I am, it doesn't exclude the other things that make up the sum of me. Similar to how all the music around me informs the black music that I create. So it's all a melting pot of all of me."

The VANTABLACK Era, was introduced to music lovers abroad with the release of the official single, "SO IN LOVE." The mid-tempo tune is already a certified Billboard R&B Top 20 song as it is currently #18 on the Billboard charts. ‘So In Love’ was written by Philip Beaudreau and I a couple years ago with the intention to pitch it, but we loved it so much and decided to sit with it for a while. I’ve recently added it to my show and it’s one of the most beloved pieces that we perform." ‘So In Love’ has such a vibe and like a lot of the work i do, it explores some of the more non traditional ideas about love, and self love. The video does this on a grand scale!", she adds.

The next early-offerings from "VANTABLACK" included the up-tempo and already fan-favorite song, "I AM". "I Am, I think people will be delighted to hear me with some tempo! I’m always trying to figure out how to apply these lush tones over dance music! How can i be featured on the subwoofer in your G Wagon? This is a 4 on the floor full of positive affirmation…I think i may have cracked the code!," shares Lalah. The third song to be released from the album was the sensual, "MOOD FOR YOU" featuring MC Lyte.

Lalah Hathaway just announced the upcoming VANTABLACK TOUR national tour, coming to a city near you. For additional information and tour dates, visit www.LalahHathaway.com.

Listen/Watch:

(VIDEO LINK) "SO IN LOVE" by LALAH HATHAWAY

ABOUT LALAH HATHAWAY:
A sought-after collaborator to some of today’s top hitmakers, undeniable music royalty, and vocal abilities matched by few, five-time Grammy award-winning Lalah Hathaway is an artist, singer/songwriter and producer not to be slept on. A purveyor of many genres whilst sharing Grammy-win records with the likes of Beyoncé (the only two to have ever won in the Best Traditional R&B Performance category three times), Lalah’s eight solo albums are complemented by an illustrious track-record of collaborations with the likes of Pharrell Williams, Kendrick Lamar, Common, MC Lyte, Dr. Dre, Anderson. Paak, Robert Glasper, Rapsody, Snoop Dogg, Esperanza Spalding and more.

Her talents have inspired invitations to the stage from music legends, Prince, Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock to name a few, and her work even made the Oscars 2021 short list for Best Original Song. As daughter to the late, great Donny Hathaway and the product of an incredibly musical family, Chicago-born and raised Lalah Hathaway has the most soulful of music running through her veins. This summer, Lalah releases her eighth studio album, "VANTABLACK" under her Hathaway Entertainment label imprint.

Emerging Singer-Songwriter JALISA REY Releases Her Sophomore EP, "MIXY" …

Have you heard the recently sophomore released EP, "MIXY" emerging singer-songwriter, JALISA REY. The EP is globally available now, via the D&G Records/SRG-ILS Group label imprint.

Rising singer and songwriter, JALISA REY, recently released her anticipated sophomore EP, “MIXY”. MIXY, the soul-stirring EP by JALISA REY, is the reflection of an emotional whirlwind that has recently engulfed her life. It's a journey of conflicting emotions – from highs to lows, from longing to detachment, all caused by this thing called love.

Throughout MIXY, the 7-track EP with production from Pagani, and JulesTheWulf, and collabs from the pen of Dom Mayo and Karrissa Love, JALISA REY invites listeners to experience the unfiltered emotions that have defined her recent journey through life- a mixture of love, regrets, desires, and everything in between. "I am excited for the world to continue to see my growth and versatility as an artist," mentions Jalisa.

The EP kicks off with "FSW," an anthem that encapsulates Jalisa's current state: "I want you, but you're too damn toxic... I don't want to share you with nobody." "It mirrors the struggle of knowing what's bad for you but irresistibly yearning for it at the same time- a sentiment that many can relate to. In the midst of such emotional turmoil, conflicts then lead to Jalisa crossing the line, which is beautifully captured in her track "Cross the Line." This song is carried by deep regrets and Jalisa’s desire to mend things after a heated dispute. "I know you probably think I'm crazy, but I'm still on you," Jalisa confesses, embodying the complexity of her emotions.

As the EP continues to unfold, Jalisa takes listeners on a thrilling ride with "How I Like It”. In this song, featuring YSL member T-Shyne, she admits to deliberately fueling arguments for the thrill of the passionate makeup sex that follows. She then leads us to "Rounds", a dose of sultry sensuality, offering listeners a temporary escape from the emotional rollercoaster. Right on track however, the EP inevitably swings back to "No Feelings," a heartrending ballad about partying without remorse, which clearly reveals that Jalisa is still entangled in her emotions.

She continues to pour her heart out in the next song entitled "Bad Thing," where she expresses feelings of vulnerability, but her partner devalues her worth, the love has turned sour, and she’s chosen to finally leave. As the EP draws to a close, Jalisa takes us full circle with “On My Own Wave”, portraying her journey through life's challenges. It's a testament to her resilience and determination to find her way, even during the toughest moments.

"MIXY" SOPHOMORE EP by JALISA REY (Available Now)

(VIDEO LINK) "BAD THING" by JALISA REY

(VIDEO LINK) "HOW I LIKE IT" by JALISA REY

(VIDEO LINK) "CROSS THE LINE" by JALISA REY