Wednesday, April 24, 2013

De'Leon returns with some Hot New R&B Music



http://instagram.com/p/YLJDJyKffw/ (2013)
The R&B prince of the south is back with yet another hit, introducing to many and presenting to others, De’Leon.

De’Leon is a Central Florida based singer, songwriter and producer who is no stranger to the music industry. He has previously graced your ears with hits like "Private Dancer," "Go Girl" and "Don't Fall 4 Me" under the name D. Jackson. After spending a few months in the kitchen, he has whipped up some hot new R&B music.

I got a chance to chat with De’Leon this week and ask him about his recent name change.

He expressed that the name “De’Leon” is a combination of his first name Drake, and middle name Leon. On a deeper level, the name change represents a new phase in his personal life and as an artist.
De'Leon said:
“Before, I was giving the people what they wanted to hear, but now I’m making new R&B music that I truly love.”

We are definitely able to hear that passion and love inside of his new single, “Fuckin Liar.” De’Leon also shared with us, his inspiration behind creating this song.

De'Leon said:
http://instagram.com/p/YLJDJyKffw/ (2013)
“Music has always been the ultimate form of expression for me. I was going through a tough breakup, and this song was the only way I knew how to express myself.”

“We always hear the female point of view on relationships, and how men dog them out. I found it important to share my point of view, so people know that not all men are dogs. Women need to know that there are still good men out there.”

De’Leon doesn’t only find inspiration from his past experiences, but he’s also inspired by some of the top male R&B artists in the industry. Some of his favorites include Marvin Gaye, Prince, Tank, Jamie Foxx, and D’Angelo.

Fuckin Liar” is just a preview of what is to come for the rest of the year. De’Leon stays active in the industry by writing and producing new R&B music for other artists as well. Coming soon is his highly anticipated mix tape, The Butterfly Effect. Until then, check out the video and let us know what you think of “Fuckin Liar.”




                                                                                

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

BET's 13th Annual Celebration of Gospel


thegospelguru.com/2013/04/bet-
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On Sunday April 9th, 2013 BET held its 13th Annual Celebration of Gospel. The event was held at the Orpheum Theatre located in Los Angeles, California.

This program has always been much more than a concert, and much more than your average television broadcast. I’ve always been able to walk away from this event encouraged, blessed, and touched by the many testimonies. More so, this is an opportunity to praise the Lord Jesus Christ through music. As Steve Harvey said “Everybody needs church.”
Steve Harvey hosted the event and did a swell job. Hosting gospel events like this definitely shows his skill and diversity as a comedian. Being a Christian and a comedian, he was able to effectively bring laughs on church subjects while still respecting the sacredness of the church.

BET also did a great job of catering to different age groups. Like most musical genres, there are those who appreciate the old school, those who appreciate the new school, and some enjoy both. BET was able to display the sounds of the new school gospel music, and show that old school gospel is definitely still relevant.

buzz.eewmagazine.com/eew-magazine-buzz-blog/2013/3/18
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Gospel legend Pastor Shirley Caesar graced the stage with her amazing voice, reminding the audience “God will make a way.” Pastor Caesar has been performing and recording gospel music since 1951, and she is still in the ministry.

BET also paid tribute to gospel legend Reverend James Cleveland with a performance led by Kurt Carr. The performance also included “Sunday’s Best” winner Joshua Roberts, Donnie McClurkin, Rance Allen, and Dr. Bobby Jones. This performance definitely highlighted the music of Rev. Cleveland, and reminded us all of how he used his musical talents to influence others. Audience members young and old were able to sing along.

Artists like Tye Tribbet, Smokie Norful, Charles Jenkins & Chicago Fellowship, Anthony Brown and Group TherAPy all made sure to light the stage up with the sounds of the newer sounds of gospel.

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church-say-amen-tamar-braxton-tyrese-yolanda-adams-perform-at
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There were even performance contributions from secular artists such as Tyrese, and the lovely Anita Baker.

Other phenomenal performances included Tamela Mann, Karen & Kiki Sheard, Yolanda Adams, Tamar Braxton, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Isreal Houghton, Le’Andria Johnson and more.

If you missed this great event, you have another opportunity to watch it on Thursday April 11th, 2013 on BET. Make sure to check your local listings for exact times.

What were your favorite performances?