In The Spotlight

In the spirit of Christmas and the holiday season this weeks "In The Spotlight" come from Amber Blu. She is singing one of my favorite holiday songs The Christmas Song.  I think she has an amazing voice and she really does this song justice. So take a listen and tell me what you think.

Since this is my last post of 2011 I want to take this time to wish everyone Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays no matter what you celebrate and a Happy New Year! I plan to be back in 2012 bring you more great up and coming artist and you never know I just might pick you to be " In The Spotlight"

Artist Of The Year 2011

I just want to start off by saying I have really enjoyed doing this blog this year it has been a wonderful experience and I plan on bringing many more post of artist that I think are "Stars On The Rise". On that note I am proud to say that many of the artist that I have mentioned on my blog have some great success over the past year from topping the charts to walking away with award nominations and awards. So to bring this year to a close I felt I need to go back over the list of past artist to find my artist of the year. So after so serious thought I have pick the artist. And the winner is................

The Band Perry was one of my favorite artist of 2011. The song "If I Die Young" was a song that I could not get out of my head. It also proved to be a huge hit for the country group of siblings. This years they walked away with Single Of The Year and Song Of The Year at this years CMA awards and Breakthrough Video Of The Year at The CMT Music Awards.  They have also been nominated for the 2012 Grammy Awards for Best New Artist. I am so proud of them and new that they were a great talent. That why The Band Perry is my 2011 Artist Of The Year!

                                                          http://www.thebandperry.com/

In The Spotlight

This weeks "In The Spotlight" comes from a Zimbabwean-born singer/songwriter named Sahara C singing an original song called "No Tomorrow"  I think she is a amazing talent so take a listen and tell me what you think.

Nayer

This weeks artist is Cuban American triple threat named Nayer. This model, singer and actress was born in New Jersey to Cuban parents on August 2, 1986. She performed on Star Search at age 7.  Nayer was discovered by Cuban-American rapper Pitbull in 2008 when she was a finalist in the "Miss 305" contest, broadcasted as a part of Pitbull's Spanish-language program on the cable channel Mun2 titled La Esquina. She has appeared in a number of the rappers videos she is best known for her feature on Pitbull's hit " Give Me Everything" I think she has the makings of a Latin pop diva so take a listen and tell me what you think.

                                                            www.last.fm/music/Nayer

In The Spotlight

This weeks "In The Spotlight" comes from a young women I am not sure what her name is but she is sing "Come Talk To Me" by Jodeci. So take a listen and tell me what you think.

Free Sol

This week artist is a group call Free Sol. Free Sol which means a state of mind - a freedom of expression is a progressive hip-hop, rock, and soul band from Memphis Tennessee. The band was formed in 2003 when the lead singer/MC, Free. Their song "Hoodies On Hat's Low" is what caught my attention. This video has a cameo by fellow native of Tennessee Justin Timberlake who also directed this video. Their sound puts an interesting spin on the hip hop sound. So take a listen and tell me what you think.

                                                                 www.freesolmusic.com/

In The Spotlight

This week"s "In The Spotlight" comes from an up in coming Rock Alternative Group call Eliot Wayne. I think they have huge potential to go far.

Yuna

This weeks artist comes from Alor, Setar, Kedah, Malaysia. Her name is Yuna (Yunalis Zarai). She is a Malaysian singer-song writer. "She once described her music as “a cross between Mary Poppins and Coldplay”. What caught my attention was her song "Decorate". I think she has an amazing talent an it is a good example of going outside of your country and comfort zone you can find great music so take a listen and tell me what you think.

                                                            www.yunamusic.com

In The Spotlight

This week's "In The Spotlight come from a young women who songs like she may come from the same place that gave us fellow artist like Adele and Jessie J maybe. I don't have a name but the song she is singing is a song that she wrote call "Alive"  I think she is an interesting talent so take a listen and tell me what you think.

Rye Rye

This weeks artist is a up incoming female hip hop M.C named Rye Rye. Rye Rye  aka Reyisha Berrain comes from Baltimore, Maryland. She is currently signed to N.E.E.T Recordings.  This 21 year old M.C and dancer had dreams of working with artist such as Chris Brown and Jay-Z. She may be making that dream come true very soon. I think she really hits the mark with her song "Never Will Be Mine". So take a listen and tell me what you think.

                                                                  www.ryeryemusic.com/

In The Spotlight

This weeks "In The Spotlight" come from Alex De Havilland singing her song "Mockingbird. She sounds like she has a lot of potential to go far. So take a listen and tell me what you think.

Cascada

This week artist is a group called Cascada. This German Euro dance group  consist of three members. Natalie Horler, DJ Manian and Yanou. Founded in 2004, and are widely considered one of the leaders in popularising euro-dance music in America and in recent years worldwide. The are best known for their his " Evacuate The Dance Floor". What brought them to my attention was their song "Everytime We Touch". So take a listen an tell me what you think.

                                                                www.cascada-music.de/

In The Spotlight

This weeks "In The Spotlight" comes from Boysie White singing George Benson's "Gonna Love You More". Just proves a classic song can never go out of style. So take a listen and tell me what you think.

Elle Varner

This weeks artist is a soulfully gifted singer song writer named Elle Varner. This young women was born to two published song writers. Elle received an amazing chance to develop her craft at NYU in the Clive Davis Program of Recorded Music. Upon graduating, she was awarded "most likely to get signed" and "most likely to win a Grammy." She is currently signed to MBK/J Records. After hearing her song" I Only Wanna Give It To You" I can see why she gets such high praise. I can't get this song out of my head. I think after you her it you won't either. So take a listen and tell me what you think.

                                       http://www.mbkentertainment.com/category/elle-varner/

In The Spotlight

This weeks "In the spotlight comes from an R&B group  who have some serious skills. I am not sure what their name is but they do an awesome cover of Beyonce's song Halo. So take a listen and tell me what you think.

P.S if anyone knows who they are please let me know I would love to find out more about them.

Fo Onassis

This weeks artist is a hip hop artist by the name of Fo Onassis. I first heard him on a track with Kat DeLuna called "Dancing Tonight". His rap on this song is what peaked my interest. Fo Onassis is is a Hip- Hop artist and current President and CEO of Sizzle Grizzle Entertainment. He composed his first rhyme at the age of 16. This New York born hip hop star on the rise is looking to be the next big triple treat to hit the hip hop world. So take a listen and tell me what you think.

                                         www.facebook.com/pages/Fo-Onassis/89948501411

In The Spotlight

This weeks "In The Spotlight" come from an artist name Anevae. I found her on Unsigned TV. I think she has a soulful sound that everyone should listen to so take a listen and tell me what you think.

David Dallas

This weeks artist is someone that I think that could give a few hip hop artist a run for their money. His name is David Dallas. This New Zealand born hip hop artist was formally part of the duo Frontline a popular group in New Zealand who had a huge following and won several awards. Like the New Zealand Music Awards were they won best hip hop album in 2006. David Dallas has also received praise for his songwriting in 2004. David Dallas first got his attention from the U.S when Kanye West posted his video for "Big Time" on his blog back in 2010. After looking in to some of his music I can see why he peaked the interest of Kanye West.  I think that he will go far in his career. So take a listen and tell me what you think.

                                                           www.daviddallas.co.nz/News/

In The Spotlight

This weeks "In The Spotlight" comes from a L.A rapper called PudaLoc with his song "2am Lavish Flow"  I think he has real potential. So take listen and tell me what you think.

Kids These Days

This weeks artist is a group that show why it is so important to keep music programs in our school and how much music is important to today's youth. Kids These Days is a group of kid from Chicago that have blend several different styles and talents together to come up with some amazing music. With horns, a rapper, a blues-rock trio and a female singer, KTD blends a wide range of influences -- hip-hop, jazz, soul, blues, and classic rock -- into a unique, fresh sound that breaks boundaries while honoring America’s musical heritage (FaceBook).  Their song "My Days" is a great example of that so take a listen and tell me what you think.

                                                  www.facebook.com/kidsthesedaysband

In The Spotlight

This week's "In The Spotlight" come from Lindsay Fields singer a cover of Alicia Keys "No One" so take listen and tell me if you think she can give Ms. Keys a run for her money.

Sean Garrett

This weeks artist comes from the south Atlanta Georgia that is. Sean Garret takes it one step further not being a triple threat but a quadruple threat. He is a singer, songwriter, rapper and producer. He has produced 15 number one singles in just 7 years. Which puts him 5th on billboards list of most produced number one hits. His song " Feel Love" featuring J Cole is what brought him to my attention. But his song featuring Rick Ross " In Da Box" is what I can't get out of my head. So take a listen and tell me what you think.

                                                            www.seangarrettmusic.com/ 

In The Spotlight

This weeks "In The Spotlight" come from SemMusic singing a song "Just For A Moment". I think this young man is just what the R&B world needs. So take a listen and tell me what you think.

Katy B

I am guessing that 2011 is the year of the British Invasion. That's why this weeks artist is Kathy B another British import that is a star on the rise. Kathleen "Katie" Brien is a British singer songwriter. She is a dubstep,R&B, funky, house and UK garage singer. With her addictive crossover hit " Witches Brew" I think she has real cross over appeal. So take a listen and tell me what you think.

                                                               katyonamission.com/

In The Spotlight

 

This week's "In The Spotlight" comes from an Atlanta rapper named Joshua. I think that he has the potential to go far in the hip hop game. So take a listen and tell me what you think.

J Cole

This week's artist is a hip hop artist on the rise J Cole. J Cole with his catch hooks and genius lyrics. Keep watching and waiting for what he does next. His debut album Cole World which was released yesterday is proof of that. It was one of the most anticipated releases of the year thanks to his features on B.o.B Mixtape and Miguel's "All I Want Is You". His style reminds me a lot of Jay-Z and Tupac. I guess that when your mentor is Jay-Z you are going to go far. I am loving his new song "Can't Get Enough". So take a listen and tell me what you think.

                                                        www.jcolemusic.com/us/home

In The Spotlight

This week's "In The Spotlight" come from a group called Equal Image. They are an amazing vocal group. You will never guess where they are from Africa! So take a listen and tell me what you think. I know I would sign them.

Destinee & Paris

This weeks artist is a sister duo called Destinee & Paris. This duo proves that a family that sings together stays together. Destinee Monroe age 17 and Paris Monroe age 15. Are from Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. They are former members of a girl group called Clique Girlz in the early 2000's. They are currently signed to Interscope Records. They have had the privilege to open up for Britney Spears "Femme Fatale Tour". They have a up beat catchy song call " True Love" that seems to be on constant repeat in my head. So take a listen and tell me what you think.

                                                      www.destineeandparis.com/

In The Spotlight

This weeks "In The Spotlight"come from a girl named Soleil Zahara singing a Tracy Chapman cover of "Give Me One Reason". I think she has the true gift of a real soul singer so take a listen and tell me what you think.

Sabi

This weeks artist is Sabi she is a new pop diva on the music scene but you might have caught her on the hit song of the summer with Cobra Starship "You Make Me Feel" that was blowing up the charts. She was also lucky enough to be featured on Britney Spears latest album Femme Fatale. Jenice Sab-bion Portlock (known as Sabi) is another triple threat on the rise being a actor, singer and songwriter. She is currently working on her debut album under the Prescription Songs and Warner Bros. Records. I am loving her song "Goodnight". I see big things for her in the music world so take a listen and tell me what you think.

                                                                      officialsabi.com/

In The Spotlight

This week's "In The Spotlight" comes from a group called Incentive. They are finalist in a unsigned singers contest. I think they could be the next big girl group. Take listen and tell me what you think.

Skylar Grey

This weeks artist is a Grammy-nominated American multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and record producer. She released her first album in 2006 under her legal name Holly Brook with Machine Shop Recording. She is responsible for co writing Eminem's "Love the Way You Lie". You may also be familiar with her contribution to Dr. Dre's "I Need A Doctor". I see great things in the future for this young woman's career. So take a listen and tell me what you think.

                                                           www.skylargreymusic.com/

In The Spotlight

This weeks "In The Spotlight" comes from a guy from Camden New Jersey. I have know idea what his name is. But I think he has great potential to become a star. So take a listen and tell me what you think.

Jessie J

After watching this years MTV Video Music Awards. I had to find out more about the house artist that played through out the show. And it turn out I like what I found out about Jessie J I liked. Jessie J is another British import. Who's claim to fame came when she started writing songs for artist like Chris Brown and Miley Cyrus. Her most famous hit song "Party In The USA" for Miley Cyrus. She is signed to Island Records. She has already had a hit song with "Price Tag". Her new single called "Who's Laughing Now" which I can't get out of head. So take a listen an tell me what you think.

                                                                  jessiejofficial.com/

In The Spotlight!

This weeks "In The Spotlight" come from Opal Dawkins singing one of my favorite songs " Natural Women". So take a listen and tell me what you think. You Go Girl !

The Band Perry

This weeks artist is a country group call The Band Perry. This group is composed of three siblings. Kimberly,Neil and Reid Perry. They signed to Nashville Republic in August of 2009. They have released four singles since they got signed in 2009 which include "Hip To My Heart" and " You Lie". But their song "If I Die Young". Has be a song that has just got stuck in my head and now I can't get enough of it so take a listen and tell me what you think.

                                                           www.thebandperry.com/

In The Spotlight!

This weeks "In The Spotlight" comes from an artist named Jannet. Singing a lovely song that she wrote call "Call It Quits" at the Dutch Country Awards. So take a listen and tell me what you think.

Joe Jonas

This weeks artist is Joe Jonas. As we all know he is a member of the Pop/Rock group "The Jonas Brothers. Who basically have every teen girl screaming around the world with their sold out concerts and their hit Disney show "Jonas". Now Joe is taking that step that a lot of groups member decide to do by doing a solo record.  Joe Jonas showcase his mature and soulful side on his solo attempt.  I feel like he is tapping into his R&B side which is a side that I am completely in love with. That is showcased on his first single "See No More". So take a listen and tell me what you think.

                                                                    joejonasonline.net/

In The Spotlight!

This weeks "In The Spotlight" come from a nine year old girl just simply sing at a neighborhood pool. I not sure of what her name is but she proves that anywhere you feel like singing can become your stage. So take a listen and tell me what you think.

Marsha Ambrosius

Marsha Ambrosius is a English soul singer and songwriter. She was part of the former Soul/R&B duo Floetry. She released her first solo album "Late Nights & Early Mornings in March of 2011. If the title track from this album is any indication of what is to come. I think she has a huge career a head of her. She is showing she can make a huge mark in music as a duo. Now she is proving she can do it as a solo artist. So take a listen and tell me what you think.

                                                    www.marshaambrosiusmusic.com/

In The Spotlight!

This weeks "In The Spotlight is from a young country singer named Jacqueline Rose. She sounds like she could give Miranda Lambert a run for her money. So take a listen and tell me what you think.

Jazmine Sullivan

This weeks artist is Jazmine Sullivan. is an recording artist from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is protege of Missy Elliott. Her debut single" Need U Bad" reached number one on the Hip Hop/R&B charts. She is an amazing soul singer who I believe will have a bright future in the music world. So take a listen and tell me what you think.

                                                       www.jazminesullivanmusic.com/

In The Spotlight!

This weeks "In The Spotlight" come from an artist named Scosha. She is singing her song called "Pray For Time" She is a Scottish singer with a great talent. So take a listen and tell me what you think.

Wynter Gordon

This weeks artist Wynter Gordon is an artist I just stumbled upon while I playing around on the Internet. I think that this young women has the makings of becoming the next pop diva. Wynter Gordon is from South Jamaica Queen's, New York. This 23 years old is a great singer and song writer. Her song "Dirty Talk" proves that. I think she has the kind of music that makes you happy stick in your head. So take a listen and tell me what you think.

                                                         www.wyntergordon.com/

In The Spotlight!

This weeks "In The Spotlight" comes from Larken Ogle singing an original song called He's Not You. I feel this is a great example of the power of writing and singing your own music. Because no one can express what you are feeling and want to say the way you can in your own words. So take a listen and tell me what you think.

Demi Lovato

The artist I have chosen this week is Demi Lovato. This young women is best know from the Disney Movie Camp Rock and Disney show Sonny With A Chance. She got her start in the business on the PBS show Barney & Friend. I feel that this fellow Texan deserved my attention this week because she is a true example of an artist using their craft to help express themselves and use it to help heal from life's ups and downs. I think that everyone has heard about the difficult time Demi has gone through over the past few months. Her song Skyscraper is proof of that. I think that it is amazing song that does not just showcase her vocal ability but also her passion and cry for help. This song is doing so well that the day it was released to iTunes it went straight to number 1. If you have not heard this song you should really take time to listen. I think she has the potential to become someone that people will take a serious music artist and not just another Disney child star.

                                                             twitter.com/DDLOVATO

In The Spotlight!

This weeks "In The Spotlight" comes from a Jamaican singer covering an Alicia Keys song. I fell she has a strong passion for music that shines through in her performance.

Diggy Simmons

This week artist is Diggy Simmons. I think that this young MC has a huge and bright future in the hip hop world. But how can he not his father was part of the legendary hip hop groups Run DMC (Rev Run). I believe that he has proven to the world he has made his own print on the hip hop world no matter who his father is and that he is a force to be wreck en with. I see him make a legacy of his own. He has made appearances on track with mindless behavior. Last year he also gained his own AT&T comerical. Some of you may remember he from being on hit MTV show Run's House with his family. I predict big things for the young man and I can't wait to hear more from him. So take a listen and tell me what you think.

                                                      digslifeofthejetsetter.blogspot.com/
                                                    

In The Spotlight!

This weeks "In The Spotlight comes from a girl named Sara Bareilles. I think this young lady has an amazing voice. I believe she could have a great future in the music industry. So take a listen and tell me what you think also check out more from this artist by visiting songyejin on YouTube.

Esmee Denters

This weeks artist is someone I just stumbled upon while I was just playing around on the computer. Her name is Esmme Denters. She is a Dutch singer and song writer who has made plenty of videos of doing cover of songs by Justin Timberlake and other artist. Her talent caught the attention of Justin Timberlake back is 2008 and she was the first artist signed to his record label Tennman Records. In May 2009 she released her debut studio album, Outta Here which was executively produced by Timberlake and featured Denters co-writing all songs. The album reached number five in her home country of the Netherlands. I think that this young lady has an amazing voice and song writing talent. That everyone should listen to. So take a listen and tell me what you think.

                                                              www.esmeeworld.com/

In The Spotlight!

This weeks "In The Spotlight" comes from Jill Charles from Fayettevilee North Carolina. I think she has a great voice and shows a lot of love a passion for what she is singing. So take a listen and tell me what you think.

Javier Colon

As we all know tonight is the first season of The Voice is coming to a end. I think all of the remaining artist are great. But one of my stand out favorites is Javier Colon. I think he has one of the most amazing talents that I have heard in a long time. His voice just sends chills down my spine. I think he puts the soul back in music that I truly think has been missing. So take a listen an tell me what you think. And to all of the artist on The Voice best wishes to all and I believe that know matter who wins they all have a bright future in the music world.

                                          http://www.nbc.com/the-voice/artists/javier-colon/
                                                        http://www.javiercolon.com/

In The Spotlight!

This week in the spotlight artist keeps with the theme of singer/songwriter's. I am not sure what her name is or where she is from but I think that she has a beautiful talent both as a singer and a songwriter. So take a listen and tell me what you think.

BC Jean

This week's artist is another example of songwriter/producer becoming a musical artist. She co wrote  Beyonce's song "If I Was A Boy". Right now she is blowing up the charts with her hit song "I'll Survive You" I heard sing today on the view and she completely blew me away. I think she has the makings of becoming a huge star in the future so check her out and tell me what you think.

                                                                http://www.bcjean.com/

                                                                

In The Spotlight!

This weeks in "In The Spotlight" artist comes from a young man named Danny who was on "Britain Got Talent" I think he has a great star quality. Take a listen and tell me what you think.

Rock Mafia

This weeks artist is a songwriting and production team turned band Rock Mafia. Rock Mafia consist of Tim James, Antonina Armato, and A&R/mixing Paul Palmer. They have been producing major hits since 2000.They are the team behind Miley Cyrus hit song "Party In The USA" In late 2010 the released their first song as a band called "The Big Bang" that is blowing up the charts right now. Not only do I love this song I am strongly addicted to it. Rumor has it that they are going to make a movie based of the song and music video.This song is also the theme song to VH1 show Mob Wives. I feel that Rock Mafia has made a smooth transition from producer and songwriter to a legit musical group I see big things for this team and their music. So take a listen and tell me what you think.

                                      www.facebook.com/pages/Rock-Mafia/244123378593
                                                      www.rockmafiaforever.com/

In The Spotlight!

    

To keep with the theme of my kids week. Spotlight artist Bentley Green a local talent from my area the DFW area. Showing his love for his favorite NBA final team the Mavericks in his own hip hop style. So take a listen and tell me what you think.

http://www.facebook.com/bentleygreen

Mindless Behavior

This week I decided to make it about the kids. Kids like music too. So the artist or group I have chosen this week is called "Mindless Behavior". This group is made up of four young 13 year old boys named Prodigy, Roc Royal, Ray Ray and Princeton. To me they sound reminds me of New Edition in the early day. Right now they have an infectious song out called "My Girl that is blowing up the charts. It seems that every decade the trend of the boy group or band returns. I seem them following in the foot steps of New Edition, Backstreet Boy, N'SYNC and B2k. So tell me what you think.

                                                                 

                                             http://www.mindlessbehavior.com/#!all 

                                                                                                   

In The Spotlight!

This week artist has a few anger issues and some bad language issues and seems to very sure of his talent. Once you look those issues I think this young man has some real talent. So tell me what you think. I can't wait to hear the comments on this one.

Scotty McCreedy/Kelly Rowland

This week I am bring you not one but two artist I think you should be paying very close attention to. Scotty McCreedy and Kelly Rowland.

Unless you live under a rock you know that Scotty McCreedy  won this season of American Idol. This North Carolina teen blew everyone away. I really see a bright future in the music world for this young man. I really feel he has the potential to not only become a big Country Star but a huge cross over artist like some many of today's Country artist. I see bright things in his future. Case in point he has scored higher on the Billboard Chart's with his debut single than any other American Idol winner. So tell what you think. 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=SV1do6TuMBw
www.scotty-mccreery.net/


We all know that Kelly Rowland was one third of the pop group Destiny's Child and that she had a few hits a solo artist. One of which was the number 1 hit "Dilemma" with Nelly. It has always seemed that Kelly was always is the shadow of fellow Destiny's Child member and lead singer Beyonce. That is till now with her new single "Motivation" which is blowing up the Billboard Chart's she is even beating friend and group member Beyonce. This time around she is showing some serious growth as an artist and showing she is more than just a former member of DC3 the group that help launch queen B Beyonce. She making everyone stand up and take notice of her super stardom. So tell me what you think.                   

                                                                 kellyrowland.com/

In The Spotlight!

I think to have a successful blog you need to create a reason for them to continue to keep coming back.That is why I have created this new segment of my blog call "In The Spotlight" Every week I want to be able to put so one with a great musical gift that is basically unknown to the rest of the world video on my blog. Like I have said before this blog for people who love music. I want to be able to shine a light on someone who just loves the joy of music. Who knows I might just walk across of you who view my blog video and you just might be put in " The Spotlight".

The first artist I have picked is Larissa Flint singing Defying Gravity from Wicked. So take a lesson and tell me what you think.