Delicious Pop

Love this hot new track from off SWV’s new studio album, I Missed Us. It’s “Better Than I,” a joint that addresses the fact that you really don’t have to look to far to find the perfect mate. The lyrics are fun and clever, “I’m a keep it 100. She ain’t got nothing. I can prove why. She ain’t got nothin’ on my Ooh-Ah. Don’t go thinkin’ she’s better than I.”

And the rest of the album is great, too, especially for SWV fans. There are a few cuts that pay homage to the group’s old-school style and swagger, in cuts like, “All About You.” On their first studio album in 15 years, the infamous girl group —now grown women— are working with producer Cainon Lamb, who co-produced music for Keyshia Cole, Beyonce, Monica and Jasmine Sullivan. In fact, you can imagine Sullivan singing one of the new tracks called “Keep You Home.”

Fans will enjoy the soulful songbirds rendition of Patti LaBelle’s 1983 hit, “If Only You Knew,” and if you’re looking for a traditional quiet storm jam, then check out “Time to Go.”  This album is an accurate representation of authentic R&B music, something few, new artists have been able to truly capture.   

Listen to “Better Than I,” and download SWV’s new album, I Missed Us —and you’ll discover why we missed them.

Have you heard former Danity Kane songstress Dawn Richard’s new song, “Faith”? It’s from her new EP called Armor On. The 10-track studio album has a different sound for Dawn. She continues to give fans heartfelt, soulful lyrics, but this time the familiar vocals are laid over a chilled-out, fast-paced, electronic vibe —that’s sure to calm your nerves after a stressful day.

Dawn’s new solo project is getting good reviews from loyal fans, and Armor On is still hot after debuting at the top of iTunes’ R&B Albums chart more than two weeks ago.

I’ll offer some personal advice and ask that you heed Dawn’s lyrics,”We need Armor.” Listen to “Faith,” one of my favorite tracks on the new EP. Tell me what you think! Is there life after the defunct Danity Kane for Dawn Richards?

The R&B group SWV is back, and just released a new single called “Co-Sign.” Yep, that’s right, Coko, Taj and LeLee, have reunited in hopes of renewing their success in the 90s. You may recall some of their hits, including “I’m So Into You,” “Weak,” “You’re the One” and “Right Here/Human Nature” —the latter being my favorite song. And more recently the ladies were featured on Chris Brown’s single She Ain’t You. So stepping back into the studio was inevitable for the award-winning group. It get D-Pop poppin’ with excitement.

Sisters With Voices will release a full studio album on April 17, 2012. So sign me up for buying that! For now, check out SWV’s hot new single, “Co-Sign,” and tell me what you think.

Have you heard about Justin Utley, the gay ex-Mormon and survivor of ex-gay therapy? Well, he’s making his voice heard through his music.  The New York City singer-songwriter has been spreading his inspiring message at several Pride Festivals, including Stockholm, Denver, LA, Atlanta, San Diego and Las Vegas.

I actually stumbled upon Justin last summer, and quickly tweeted, “Um, I think I might have a man crush on @JustinUtley. LOL! Good music!” And he was nice enough to tweet back, “Too kind… too kind.” A man —who responds quickly, looks good and could serenade me at the drop of a hat— well, it’s all good in my book. But make no mistake, there’s much more to Justin than those endearing qualities.

It’s been a long road for the alternative country rock singer.  Before he became an advocate for LGBT equality and civil rights, Justin spent 2 years in a Mormon Church program — to be exact, it was conversion therapy designed to covert gay and bisexual men to heteros. Justin stopped therapy and broke ties with the Mormon Church.

In June 2010, he released “Stand for Something,” a powerful single to motivate and inspire others to fight for LGBT equality and end youth homelessness. The song was nominated by the LGBT Academy of Recording Arts for 4 OutMusic Awards, including “Best Songwriter” and “Artist of the Year.”  Justin won an award for the “Best Country/Folk Song of the Year.”   

Fast forward to 2012, and it’s already shaping up to be a busy year for the talented singer-songwriter.  A full band showcase is scheduled for March in NYC; his new video for “Great Escape” is scheduled drop this Spring; and his dance card is filling up quick for scheduled Pride performances.

Make sure you check out Justin’s performance when he comes to a city or town near you, to perform songs from his third studio album, Nothing This Real. What are my favorite picks? I enjoy listening to “Moment for Me,” “Behind My Eyes,” and of course, “Stand for Something,” which I appreciate for its strong, heartfelt message.  So check out the live-version of his award-winning hit, and tell me what you think.

Nicki Minaj - Starships [EXPLICIT VERSION]

I enjoy listening to Nicki Minaj’s Starships, even though I’m on Team Lil’ Kim. There’s enough D-Pop love to go around ladies. I still don’t quite get Nicki, especially after her crazy Grammy performance that apparently ruffled the frocks of the Catholic clergy. Anyway, check out her fun track and tell me what you think.

Check out “Think Like A Man,” a new single featuring Jennifer Hudson, Ne-Yo and Rick Ross. It’s a title track from the movie soundtrack of the same name. The movie is theatrical showcase for comedian Steve Harvey’s book, “Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man.” It’s pretty good. The cast includes hot Michael Ealy, sexy Gabrielle Union, comical Kevin Hart and the beautiful Taraji P. Henson.

Think Like A Man will hit theaters on April 20, 2012. Until then, listen to this new joint and tell me what you think.