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 late singer fifteen years and produced ‘Ray’ starring Jamie Foxx, the forthcoming musical will be directed by Sheldon Epps.  An earlier version of the musical called “Ray Charles Live” was produced at California’s Pasadena Playhouse in 2007.  Additional details surrounding the musical will be announced at a later date.

TJ Grooves - Rare Soul Music

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,” Kelly said in a statement late Wednesday.  “And right now my voice isn’t up to the job.”

While the tour’s postponement is bad news, Kelly is ready to make your summer with a follow up to 2009’s”Untitled”. While the title and the direction of the effort is unknown, Kelly’s recording is in fact, blamed for the cancellation of the tour. According to sources, he developed nodules on his vocal cords when recording recently.  As a result, his doctor ordered him to rest his voice for at least a month.

It is unclear just when R. Kelly will make up planned dates but, according to his statement the anticipated concerts should be a go this fall.

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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 Brown, radio stations are opting not to play his music, negatively impacting his career.  “A lot of radio stations aren’t playing my records. They are not being that supportive and I wouldn’t expect them to,” admits Brown. “It’s on the fans and what you guys do in your power to bring me back. That’s all I need is you guys and nothing else will do that except for the fans.”

It is unclear if Brown’s recording future is in jeopardy due to his failure to reach charting success seen with previous efforts but, the singer definitely appears to be desperate in his message. Referencing his recent mixtape release, Brown says he can’t continue to produce music if he’s no longer relevant.  “I don’t know what else to say. It’s nothing else that I can do. I’m doing everything that I need to do. I’m doing me as a person and I’m a better guy,” said Brown. “It’s on ya’ll. 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 and it wouldn’t be possible for me to be an artist if I don’t have the support. I can’t be an underground mixtape artist. That’s where we are. I just want all my fans to help me. I love ya’ll. Peace”

Brown released an album titled “Graffiti” in December. Led by the singles “I Can Transform Ya” and “Crawl” the effort has been successful but pales in comparison to his debut and sophomore albums.

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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 Records in 2009. Slated for release later this year, Kelis’ “Fleshtones” follows 2006s “Kelis Was Here”.

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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 two was shot Tuesday with Minaj and a rumored cameo from “Work” singer Ciara.

Speaking of the unexpected video, which he calls a “back to back” effort, Usher told fans “The gloves are off” Tuesday.

Also, Usher is looking to get his ’swagger’ back with “Raymond Vs.Raymond.” Covering the latest issue of Billboard, Usher admits to have lost his swagger over the last few years but hopes to return to the top this year.  “Raymond Vs. Raymond” is slated for release March 30.

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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 thanks to singles like “Bulletproof”.

Raheem Devaughn is this week’s top R&B related debut, landing at no.10 on the Billboard 200. The “Bulletproof” singer’s long anticipated album”The Love & War Masterpeace” opened with 45,000 copies sold, ironically tying his last effort, “Love Behind The Melody,” which debuted with the same sales in 2008.

After claiming the top spot on the UK Singles chart with “In My Head,” Jason Derulo’s self-titled debut arrived at no.11 on the chart this week. Selling 42,000 copies “Jason Derulo” (the album) follows the chart-topping (Hot 100) single “Whatcha Say”.

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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 into being super husband and super dad, thinking, ‘I’ve got to be serious all the time. I’ve got to be the man.’ I put my swagger down for a minute, but I didn’t throw it away. Now it’s time to get it back.”

With a troubled marriage behind him, new management and music, Usher seems poised for a comeback with “Raymond Vs. Raymond”  Due in stores March 30, the album features “Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home),” the Nicki Minaj assisted “Little Freak” and the just released single “OMG,” featuring will.i.am. But, according to Usher the album is also packed with renewed confidence and energy.

Ushers has said, “A lot of things have happened in the last few years that could have broke me, but I’m still standing; rejuvenated with a new peace, confidence and energy,”…  “I’ve got fire in my eyes.”

While Usher seems to be renewed and in a new place, the question is… do you think Usher can get his ’swagger’ back with “Raymond Vs. Raymond”?

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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 with of course, the best in fashion on the runway.  ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ star Dwight Eubanks will also make an appearance, giving one lucky winner a makeover and chance to walk the runway.

Catch BET’s Rip the Runway Monday, 15th March 2010 at 10pm.

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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 6 Mafia, Snoop Dogg, T-Pain, Wyclef Jean, Jermaine Dupri, David Banner, Bebe Winans and DJ Paul, among others.  Packed with contemporary versions of recordings from Jones’ massive catalog “Q: Soul Bossa Nostra” includes Jennifer Hudson singing songwriter Rod Temperton’s “You Put A Move On My Heart” from Jones’ 1996 album “Q’s Jook Joint”.

Speaking of the collaboration, Hudson says she’s thankful to have been given the opportunity to work with Jones.  “When I was asked to work on a project honoring Quincy Jones’ songs my answer was an immediate YES!!!.  He is an icon in our industry and to have been fortunate enough to work with him is just amazing,” says Hudson. “He is a true artist, genius and professional. It was an unforgettable experience and I truly hope I will have the chance to collaborate with him again very soon!!”

Chart-topping recording star and producer Akon also contributes to the album, calling his work with Jones a learning experience.  “Quincy Jones is a musical legend and an incredible mentor. Just being around him and watching him work over the years has taught me how to develop as an artist and grow as a producer,” Akon said in a statement. “When Quincy called and told me about this album, I said you have to let me do “Strawberry Letter 23″ and the funny thing is that’s the song he was thinking about already. We brought a new modern feel to this classic and I think everyone’s going to really enjoy it.”

“Q: Soul Bossa Nostra” is due for release May/June 2010.

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Marques Houston has his eye on the bedroom when it comes to his next studio album.  A follow up to 2009s “Mr. Houston,” the singer/actor/producer says the new album will be titled “Mattress Music”.

While Houston is busy at work on the album, he believes it will be in stores this summer, becoming his sixth solo release.

TJ Grooves - Rare Soul Music