Urban Music

Beyonce 'Rings the Alarm' On Hunger.

As part of ‘The Beyonce Experience’ concert tour, Beyonce is giving back to communities across the nation by teaming up with area food banks to help feed the hungry.

In the Nation’s Capital, where Beyonce performed Thursday night at the Verizon Center, Beyonce and her pastor, Reverend Rudy Rasmus and Touch1.org are hoping to ‘ring the alarm’ about hunger across the nation.

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Marcus Johnson. D.C.'s own Jazz groove master is back with a new CD!

The Phoenix, Johnson’s first CD since 2004, has already debuted at No.12 on Billboard’s ‘Top Contemporary Jazz’ chart and is still climbing.

Even though it’s been three years since Johnson blessed his fans with an album, don’t think Johnson hasn’t been busy. When the genuinely handsome pianist isn’t touring and performing at some of the finest jazz venues the world has to offer, he’s accepting awards and other accolades for his musical talent. DC Urban LifeStyle Magazine caught up with Marcus accepting an award at the Best of Fine Arts D.C. event earlier this Spring where he, and several other local D.C. artists were recognized for their talents in the fine arts.

For more appearances and tour dates visit Marcus Johnson on Myspace.com.

Listen to and enjoy The Phoenix.

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Plunky Shaggy, and Wyclef Jean. These talented artists performed live (and for free) as part of The Kennedy Center's Summer Concert series on Millenium Stage to kick off D.C. Carnival weekend. Wyclef wowed the packed audience with his signature tunes, as well as his latest Shakira collaboration, Hips Don't Lie where a mother and her four year-old daughter, randomly selected from the audience, danced and sang the lyrics. (Say what?) Yep.

Also in performance was the lively and animated, Mr. Jimmy Cliff.

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Carl Thomas. Former Bad Boy label recording artist, Carl Thomas performed Friday evening kicking off the Memorial Day weekend with an amazing live performance at Love nightclub.
The singer/songwriter, and R&B crooner performed classic Carl Thomas tunes like I Wish I Never Met Her, and Summer Rain – while introducing fans to upcoming songs from his new album, ‘So Much Better’, where listeners are taken on a musical journey of romantic ballads with the song 'Thought You Should Know', to heavy reggae beats in Thomas’ tune, ‘Oh No’. Carl Thomas is one artist not to be missed, nor taken lightly. His vocal range is appealing and his style unmatched. Fans (male and female alike) welcomed the long awaited return of this artist whose absence from the music scene due to his overcoming personal trials and music label identity has him sounding like the Carl Thomas of old. Having Carl back on the music scene, where he's getting his deserved recognition, makes things ‘so much better’ for his admiring fans. See pics.

So Much Better, in stores now!

Chrisette Michele. You've heard this talented artist lend her voice to Jay-Z's titled song 'Lost Ones'. Chrisette paid a visit to D.C. during the 25th Anniversary of the D.C. Lottery where she gave us a taste of her talented voice and piano skills. This rising star is not to be missed.

Her new CD is in stores now. Take a listen on her Myspace page.

See pics of her D.C. performance.

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Former BET co-owner, Sheila Johnson gives her take on rap music.

"There was a point where all the videos suddenly took this turn that was not appropriate for young viewers to watch, and it's constantly been going down, down, down, and the bar has been lowered."

[ Read interview]

Chuck Brown releases new CD

The godfather of Go-Go is back with his new CD, We're About the Business.

Chuck Baby, featuring daughter, K.K. We caught up with Chuck at Borders Books and Music on 18th and L during his CD signing.

Ne-Yo's Meet-And-Greet at Howard University.

To kick off his latest project, Def Jam neo-soul artist, Ne-Yo stopped by Howard University's grub pub, the Punch Out, to greet fans and autograph a few Ne-Yo memorabilia. [See pics]

His CD, Because of You, is in stores now.

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Bone Thugs-n-Harmony @ GMU

Cleveland, Ohio rap artists Bone Thugs-N-Harmony performed Thursday April, 27during George Mason Week, along with Naughty By Nature.

DC Urban LifeStyle Magazine caught up with group member Layzie Bone who tells his fan base in D.C., "D.C. has been with BTNH since day one. We love D.C. for supporting us."

New album featuring the hit song 'I Tried' featuring artist, Akon in stores now. Listen.

See pics.

The New Rick James CD, Deeper Still.

It's been almost three years since we lost funk-master Rick James. Fans and friends are still missing him and remembering his music. Rick left behind tracks he was working on before his untimely demise that now make up his new CD entitled Deeper Still. Listen