http://www.raresoulgrooves.com The premier blog for Soul music, Classic & Rare Soul music, R&B, Funk & Disco! Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:11:02 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en   Usher has admitted loosing his swagger somewhere between "Confessions" and "Here I Stand". With the forthcoming album "Raymond Vs. Raymond" the chart-topper, with fire in his eyes, is intent on getting that swagger back! Covering the latest issue of Billboard, Usher admits "I had checked out... I went all the way ... http://www.raresoulgrooves.com/2010/03/12/usher-wants-his-swagger-back-with-raymond-album/   Raheem Devaughn and Jason Derulo made solid debuts on the Billboard 200 albums chart this week, coming in just below Sade and American Idol vet Danny Gokey.  While each failed to reach the top of the chart, which went to Lady Antebellum, followed by Sade,' the duo's albums faired well ... http://www.raresoulgrooves.com/2010/03/12/raheem-devaughn-derulo-albums-break-top-20/ Usher is hitting hard with not just one music video this month, but two.  Gearing up for the release of his next studio album, "Raymond Vs. Raymond," the R&B heartthrob recently wrapped up shoots for the Will.I.Am featured "OMG" and Nicki Minaj featured track "Little Freak".  The latter of the ... http://www.raresoulgrooves.com/2010/03/12/usher-doubles-up-with-omg-freak-music-videos/ Kelis has reclaimed her position as a chart-topping artist this week!  According to Billboard, the "Tasty" and "Milkshake" singer's latest effort, "Acapella," claims the no.1 spot on the Dance/Club Play Songs chart. Leading her forthcoming album, tentatively titled "Fleshtones," "Acapella" was released late November 2009. Kelis inked a new deal with Will.I.Am/Interscope ... http://www.raresoulgrooves.com/2010/03/12/kelis-reclaims-no1-status-with-acapella/ Embattled R&B singer Chris Brown is having a tough time. Pleading with fans in a message released Wednesday, the "Transform Ya" singer says "My singing and my music I do it for you guys and everything else but it won’t be possible if I’m not relevant on the radio..." According to ... http://www.raresoulgrooves.com/2010/03/12/chris-brown-pleads-with-fans-%e2%80%98i-can%e2%80%99t-be-an-underground-artist%e2%80%99/ Award-winning singer/songwriter R. Kelly has delivered both good and bad news this week.  Getting to the bad news first, Kelly has been forced to call off his anticipated European tour, which was to kick off March 22.  "I owe it to my fans to give them the best shows possible," ... http://www.raresoulgrooves.com/2010/03/12/r-kelly-postpones-euro-tour-records-%e2%80%98untitled%e2%80%99-follow-up/ The life and music of late icon Ray Charles will receive a boost thanks to a forthcoming Broadway musical.  Titled "Unchain My Heart," celebrating Ray Charles, the musical is set to open on Broadway Nov. 7 with preview performances beginning Oct. 8. Confirmed by producer Stuart Benjamin, who worked with the ... http://www.raresoulgrooves.com/2010/03/12/ray-charles-music-set-for-broadway-debut/ Charlie Wilson Saturday 3rd April 2010 6:00pm Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena Jacksonville, Florida Men Of Soul Friday 2nd April 2010 7:30pm Paramount Theatre - CA Oakland, California Saturday 3rd April 2010 8:00pm Nokia Theatre Live - LA Los Angeles, California http://www.raresoulgrooves.com/2010/03/12/charlie-wilson-and-men-of-soul-concert-dates/ Jennifer Hudson and Akon are on board for what could be this year's biggest compilation effort, dedicated to entertainment icon Quincy Jones.  Titled "Q: Soul Bossa Nostra," the effort features over fifteen of today's biggest recording artists and producers including Usher,  John Legend, Robin Thicke, Warryn Campbell, Scott Storch, Three ... http://www.raresoulgrooves.com/2010/03/11/quincy-jones-joind-by-jennifer-hudson-akon-for-%e2%80%98bossa-nostra%e2%80%99-album/ BET's 2010 edition of 'Rip The Runway' is headed for the small screen this month.  Hosted by Nicki Minaj and actor Pooch Hall, 'Rip The Runway' is set to premiere Monday, March 15 on BET. This year's edition features performances from Ludacris, Soulja Boy, B.o.B, Estelle, Trina, Nicki Minaj and more ... http://www.raresoulgrooves.com/2010/03/11/rip-the-runway-2010-set-for-bet-premiere/