R&B – Ruby Hornet

Anna Agosta Unleashes Her "Greenhouse" EP

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Anna Agosta is one of the Chicago music scenes next big R&B/Soul acts. She wields a powerful but sultry voice along with deceptively clever songwriting to create a deeply personal project in "Greenhouse". The quality production and raw talent cannot be ignored.

The harmonies on the lead song "Surrender" rope the listener in and the beat drop instantly gives one the feeling of a new journeys beginning. The next track "Lucky" features warm guitar and live drums while showcasing a raw sound in the percussion. Anna balances all of her problems within the scope of understanding that she's "lucky to be breathing and thinking about these things". A noble message to say the least. Her lead single "Never Fall" gets a facelift production wise, while maintaining the songs calm, mature essence. "Unforeseen Fate" is a stripped down barebones ballad that touches the soul. Anna slows it down, incorporating a beautiful guitar interlude and breakdown in the production halfway through. The arrangement moves with conviction, much like someone moving on to another chapter in their life. She closes out the album with "Reaching", leading off with a tasteful touch of electric guitar. Reminiscing on the moments in her life that have led her to this place.

"reaching, reaching onward
reaching through,
windows of reflections I will use,
oh you tell me, thank you for allowing me to move".

by Alexy

Why shouldn't Chrisette Michele perform at Inauguration 2017?

The mild news hitting the wire this past week is that of Chrisette Michele performing at President-Elect Donald Trump's Inauguration, on January 20, 2017.

Although the "woke" thing to do right now is to mount up for a "witch hunt" and point out the "cooning and buffoning" within the black delegation; I would like everyone to back away slowly, and respect Chrisette Michele's decision to perform at Trump's Inauguration.

The funny, yet sad thing about this announcement is that Chrisette didn't have enough "die hard fans" to spark consistent viral outrage for 48 hours. People want to criticize, but they don't want to support. They also don't necessarily have a better alternative for her and her career. This reason alone is exactly why she should do the inauguration. Sure, she is popular, has had success, and she does tour and make great music. Still, for one reason or another it's not reaching the masses at the rate I'm willing to bet her label nor her team desire.

For the last decade, Chrisette has been on Def Jam. A staple that has done nothing but support and shed light on some of the greatest artist ever in the world of hip-hop and R&B. She's put out 5 albums in that span of time and, I know for sure, some know her solely as "the woman on Aston Martin Music". That's not a good thing. She was also on Jay-Z's "Lost One".

A very serious reality is that we are in what is deemed the "microwave popcorn era" of music where hit songs become "old news" within 3 weeks. The only thing that has stuck in the last calendar year is the love or hate for Donald Trump. With that said, why wouldn't a talented artist on a historic label, with no gold or platinum albums or solo number 1 singles in 10 years perform at one of the biggest moments of 2017?

This may be the moment that truly exposes Chrisette Michele's music to an audience that never heard of her. A paying audience just might say "that woman is really good". She'll certainly get more shows at a better rate to provide for her artistry and family. I remember when Chrisette was one of the first faces of "neo soul". You know, that genre that black folks left behind once Erykah Badu took a break and Chris Brown and Trey Songz became horny young men.

I see no bad in this move for her, and I don't hate people for supporting Donald Trump. I am not hurt when people of color want to talk to him. Now I will add, I am not going to be upset at an under-appreciated artist seizing a moment. This particular moment in time will be historic whether people like the move or not. It's easy to say "it shouldn't be about the money" or "all business isn't good business". That is, of course, when you're not a professional recording artist. Relax. It's a performance. Not an endorsement or an advocation of anything Trump does or says. Did we do Michael Jackson this way when he met with Reagan?

To Chrisette Michele. Although you don't need my validation to make a business decision; I respect your decision as both a human being and an artist. I want you to do great and hope the upcoming moment leads you to a prosperous 2017.

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by @ImCamQuotes

WGCI Big Jam brings Chris Brown, Young Thug, and more

WGCI’s Big Jam returned this year to the United Center featuring performances by some of the biggest names in business. Big Jam was the best place in Chicago to celebrate the end of 2016.

Stellar showings from Trey Songz, Chris Brown, Young Thug and many more made for an unforgettable night.Local Chicago talent represented their city strongly with G-Herbo, Lil Bibby, and Dreezy rocking the Big Jam stage. Opening to a strong early crowd these local favorites represented Chicago well.

G-Herbo | Lil Bibby | Dreezy

Sharing the stage G-Herbo and Lil Bibby joined forces and started off Big Jam strong. The only female artist on the lineup was Chicago’s own Dreezy. Dreezy a force to reckon with held her own and showed the Big Jam crowd why she’s one of the most talked about new artists.

Lil Yatchy | Desiigner

Fan favorite Lil Yatchy played to the crowd performing hits like “Night”, “Minnesota”, and “Broccoli”. One of the most talked about sets came from Desiigner. His outside-the-box performance took him all over the stage. Having the crowd in complete awe, Desiigner put on a show those in attendance won't soon forget.

Trey Songs

Owning every inch of the Big Jam stage, Trey Songz had the crowd in a complete frenzy. Songz, a crowd pleaser, matched his signature vocals with his just as impressive dance moves. The roaring was matched with Songz’ charismatic performance. There was some speculation as to whether or not Songz was going to perform due to an onstage breakdown of stage equipment last week. Songz didn’t disappoint the United Center with his stellar performance.

Chris Brown

Co-heading Big Jam was R&B juggernaut Chris Brown. Brown a true showman used every inch of the platform to dance every single of his signature hits. Brown led the United Center in the ultimate dance party. Without skipping a beat Brown didn’t stop giving one second of a showstopper performance.

Youg Thug

Young Thug ended the night with some of his crowd favorites. Young Thug’s performance was unfortunately cut short due to his allotted set time. The strict set time definitely created some confusion with the Big Jam crowd. Without proper good byes and final songs, the transitions were a bit off. Regardless of the time mix up, the sold out United Center crowd didn’t let the biggest house in Chicago slow down. WGCI DJ’s kept the crowd in a roar with classic Chicago juke jams. The atmosphere from the sold out crowd seemed homely. The dance friendly crowd made WGCI’s Big Jam the biggest house party in Chicago. There wasn’t a better way to close off 2016 then seeing some of the best in hip-hop and R&B.

by Jesus J. Montero

[Review] Childish Gambino "Awaken, My Love!"

Awaken, My Love! is proof that Donald Glover can do absolutely anything in entertainment, and truthfully you'd be the odd man out if you didn't like it. He can rap, stand up comedy, sing, act, write TV shows...seriously anything, and it's all above average. Awaken, My Love! is no different. This album is throwback soul and it's probably going to lose a lot of his younger fans. But who cares man, it's dope!

This album reminds me of the documentaries I've seen about the '60's movements and the free love, and the sounds of that era. I listen to this and visualize women burning bra's, the Panthers marching [or "rioting"] and soul singers overdosing on heroine ["Boogieman" and "Zombies"]. It's soul power for the new millennium and it's a great message in song on this album ["Have Some Love" and "Stand Tall"]. Your uncle is going to want to burn his reefer slow to this, and your parents are going to get up and slow-dance after hollering, "HEEEEYYYYYYY! This real music right here!"

You might be able to leave it in when "Terrified" comes on. Just a thought.

Awaken, My Love! is the love child of Prince, Hendrix, Pharrell, Sly, The Family Stone and Lenny Kravitz. I couldn't really pick a "must-listen-to song" for this project. You really just have to let it play, and if you got an ounce of soul in you; You're going to like it. In a time where a lot of R&B sounds like melodic rap on a trap beat and the running theme is "f**k these h*es, if I can't f**k these h*es", Childish Gambino gave us a timeless album that is going to resonate with you on a day when you're in a "I don't want to hear that bulls**t" mood.

Not many artists can capture a sound from an era they weren't born in yet, make it sound current. But, somehow Childish Gambino managed to do that phenomenally with this album. This is a far cry from Camp, Because The Internet and STN MTN/Kauai, but the instrumentation, production and vocals front to back on this album are amazing!

With all the respect in the world, this album is dope and many will give this critical acclaim. Many people will probably tell you that you need to listen to this album. I wholeheartedly agree, but I'd still much rather hear 'Bino rap. Here's to hoping a great project with BARS is on the way in 2017.

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Just wanted to share that because it's one of the greatest covers ever in life. Donald Glover can really do anything, dog. It's unfair. It's just unfair.

by @ImCamQuotes

North Coast Festival 2015 Lineup Updated

Summer is finally here, and although most Chicagoans don't want to talk about the end of Summer just yet, the 6th Annual North Coast Music Festival has much to be excited for. The fest will once again be held at Chicago’s Union Park over Labor Day Weekend, September 4-6, featuring an eclectic lineup.

Following up last month's initial lineup reveal featuring Widespread Panic, The Chemical Brothers, D'Angelo and the Vanguard, and The Roots is the announcement of a new wave of artists to round out the North Coast Music Festival. French producer Wax Tailor, New York producer Sweater Beats, and instrumental hip hop producer Little People are joining the lineup, with local Chicago favorites Porn and Chicken, SaveMoney's Leather Corduroys, and two-time Grammy-nominated producer Stefan Ponce round out the new list of recently-added artists.

Also returning this year is the festival's popular Silent Disco and "Living Gallery," presented by the Elder Tree graffiti area.

You don't want to miss out, so get your tickets here. Our team will definitely be there covering all that's great.

by Angela E. Mejia

[Video] Randy Class: "True Story"

Sometimes, all it takes to re-affirm your love is a simple guitar serenade. That's the theme of Randy Class' video for "True Story," the first single from his upcoming EP, Metanoia. Directed by Jason Steven Ruan, the music video features the crooner serenading a lovely lady, assuring her that the love they share is a true story. While the song features some background production, it's carried along with Class' guitar playing, something of an uncommon (though not alright rare) commodity in R&B.

Check out the video below.

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by RH Staff

[Songs of the Day] 3/26/14 (Feat. Chance The Rapper, SZA, Sam Smith & More)

Alright, an post-SXSW Song of the Day is back with a ton of good tracks to get you through the hump of the week. Leading things off is Chance The Rapper's latest, "Home Studio", produced with his team, The Social Experiment in his California-based home studio. The track features more of Chance's evolution into singing and adding vocal runs which seems to get better with every track. Chano also popped up on TDE-affiliate SZA's latest track, "Child's Play" which dropped the same day, alongside another familiar face in Vic Mensa who got on Asher Roth's latest, "Live Fast" off his upcoming project, RetroHash. Jerome LOL offered up a screeching, up-tempo electronic jam in "Feel It For The First Time" while The Code gave fans an ambient feel with their latest in "Her". SaudiMoney linked with another TDE member in Ab-Soul as he offered up a mouthful of a track on "Alejandro Jodorowsky Flow" and California product by way of Chicago, Lee Woods, put her own unique spin on The Spice Girls' iconic track "Say You'll Be There" as she resurrects the 90s on her recently-released Girl Power project. Bringing up the end is none other than British falsetto Sam Smith who offers up something new on "Stay With Me". It's all streaming below, folks.

Track of the Day: Chance The Rapper & The Social Experiment: "Home Studio"

Chance The Rapper & The Social Experiment: "Home Studio" (Back Up In This B*tch)

Asher Roth: "Fast Life" (Feat. Vic Mensa)

SZA: "Child's Play" (Feat. Chance The Rapper)

Jerome LOL: "Feel It For The First Time"

The Code: "Her"

SaudiMoney: "Alejandro Jodorowsky Flow" (Feat. Ab-Soul)

Scotty ATL: "Trash & Treasure"

Lee Woods: "Say You'll Be There"

Sam Smith: "Stay With Me"

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by Jake Krzeczowski

[Video] Jordan Bratton: "Stranger"

Jordan Bratton, an 18-year-old 'alternative R&B' singer from Long Island, New York dropped a hell of a debut project in December of last year called The Grey Area. Endlessly compared to Justin Bieber because of his age and talent, Bratton possess an edge and brevity to his voice that is lost on his 19-year-old Canadian peer. The project, which left room to grow, also established Bratton on a larger scene as a vocalist to take note of. Similar to the way Frank Ocean's 2011 project, Nostalgia/Ultra got insiders and music aficionados talking, The Grey Area may be the vessel Bratton needs to break out of his hometown in New York. The video for one of the standout tracks on the project, "Stranger" got a visual today, premiering on The Guardian. Thus far, Bratton has kept his face and identity somewhat out of the public sphere, allowing for the tracks to be the focus of listeners. In the video for "Stranger", directed by Ronald Reid, the camera follows Bratton on his journey to the studio via BMX bike. As the story goes, Bratton, who lives in Long Island, travels across the boroughs to make his music. Check out the full video for "Stranger" below, with the full stream/DL of The Grey Area.

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by Jake Krzeczowski