*Featured Artists On Deck - "Nikki 16" *
In this climate of cookie cutter, mediocre, one hit wonders, the stage has been left empty, leaving room for a phenomenal female sensation that epitomizes the essence of talent, grace and sensuality, with a hint of girl-next-door innocence. With such a void in music, the industry has been waiting for a dynamic female pop culture presence that encompasses an incredible sense of style and an identifiable freshness that separates them from the masses.
Well, the wait is over……… 
Make way for Nikki 16, the ingenious brainchild of super-producer, Shannon “Slam” Lawrence. As the long time Director of A&R for Bad Boy Records, Slam definitely knows talent when he sees it. Having worked with some of the industry’s hottest acts, Slam wanted to create a group he could call his own; a sassy vocal trio that would be the most provocative, performance driven female group imaginable. However, this was no easy feat. In order to bring his concept to fruition, Slam put together a panel of three of his closest and most respected industry friends and conducted a nationwide search for his girls.
While the ladies clearly fit Slam’s vision vocally, visually and kinetically, the moment of truth was not ultimately realized until the girls were brought together. Their chemistry was so undeniable, no one had any doubt that the Nikki 16 vision was now reality. Enlisting the help of powerhouse producers Tony Deniro, Jack Knight, and Missy Elliott, amongst others, Nikki 16’s signature is a contemporary nod to a sound that once influenced and dominated an era. Catchy guitar licks and infectious melodies reminiscent of some of the biggest hits of the 80s thrusts a new generation back to the whimsical and carefree days of the infamous Studio 54.
*Reviews by Antonia*
Sade, the woman who can make a song into reality and who can make listeners connect with her in so many levels. Artists aspire and try to achieve this unique quality. Her airy yet soulful voice is one of the best we've heard, as a 1988 baby i wasn't into Sade's music until a couple of years back and as my mother is such a big fan of hers i eager to hear her songs. Even though i had seen her video Smooth Operator a couple of times, i didn't pay it that much attention (as i should). ↔↔ Mya is back on the scene with her new mixtape called Beauty & The Streets Vol.1, which will be out on the 29th September. | Here at Diva Dymes we announced that Sade would be releasing a record this month, however Epic records have announced that her album Soldier of Love will be out in February 8, 2010. Just in time for valentines day and my birthday..presents anyone???? : )
↔ ↔ Mario is coming with a new album called D.N.A he has been blowing the charts with he's hit single Break Up featuring Sean Garret and Gucci Mane. twitter.com/MariosoulTruth ↔↔
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Anyways, Sweetest Taboo was the first song i listened too, as fellow U.K singer Shola Ama had done a remix to it with Glamma Kid in 1999, i wanted to hear how it was originally. As the drums started playing and i heard "If i tell you, if i tell you now, will you keep on, will you keep on loving me" i was instantly drawn in. Her whispery yet demanding vocals captured every word she was saying. She is one of few artists that can take consistent long breaks and people still anticipate her music.There has been rumors going round that she will be releasing a record soon, hopefully this is true this will be refreshing in such a recycled music industry. From her laid back persona to her timeless beauty Helen Folasade Adu is a legend!
She has a new single and a new video out now, with rapper Bun B called "Show Me" Something which is featured on her mixtape. Other rappers on the mixtape include Drake, Bun B, Slim Thug, Chamillionaire and Nicki Minaj just to name a few. Mya will joining the cast of Dancing With The Stars on September 21st on ABC.
The last time we heard from Mario was when he released GO! in 2007, which gave us incredible songs like How Do I Breathe and Crying Out For Me. But the song that people are more familiar with and love is Let Me Love You which was a huge hit in 2004. This was from his album Turning Point, his first album was Mario released in 2002 with his smash hit first single Just a Friend.
Reviews by Antonia
Marques Houston is back with his new album Mr. Houston which will be released on September 29th 2009.  He has released two videos so far, Body and Sunset. But the official first single is I Love Her featuring Jim Jones from his fourth album Mr. Houston. The former IMX/Immature and Sister Sister actor (as Roger) released his third album Veteran in 2007 with hit singles Favorite Girl and Circle. Make sure to watch his new videos as the Sunset video is set in a beautiful scenery. Roger has gone home but Mr. Houston has arrived!
by Antonia Smith Goapele is at it again with her great soulful songs, Milk & Honey is the first single from her up and coming album which should be released in early 2010.
by Antonia One of the most under rated artist in my opinion would be Joe, The last time we heard from Joe was from his album called Joe Thomas, New Man, a classic Joe album with incredible R'n'B songs, this was released in September 2008. Now his current album Signature, has been released this month. by Antonia Alexandra Burke is an English singer from North London, she was the winner of The X Factor in 2008.
by Antonia Letoya Luckett is coming out with her second album Lady Love on August 25th 2009, she has released two singles 'Not Anymore' and 'She Ain't Got..' As for the third single 'Regret' featuring Ludacris is been said to be the next single.
| by Antonia Smith K. Michelle who is from Memphis, Tennessee has two singles out called Self Made featuring Trina/ Gucci Mane and Shoulda Killed Me featuring Rick Ross. The Voice Is Back : Whitney Houston by Antonia Smith British singer Jade Ewen was a contestant in the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest, Jade came in 5th place.
by Antonia Smth The Return Of The Southern Hummingbird & The Introduction Of Starchild ◊ ◊ J'Sun is a multi talented singer, model and dancer who lives in Brooklyn New York, when you watch his videos on youtube you will be mesmerized.
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Closer which was released in 2002 was an incredible song, everytime i listen to it, Goapele soft yet powerful vocals reminds me of Sade. Her video for Milk & Honey is self explanatory with shots of Milk and Honey it sure makes you want to get a cup of some! Goapele looks relaxed and beautiful in the video, i absolutely love her creative cornrows she has.
Besides the lack of promotion Joe has had a good start with the first single Magic. This is a signature Joe album which was written and produced by Joe himself. With his heartfelt ballads and some up tempos tracks Joe never disappoints when it comes to delivering REAL R'n'B songs. Stand out tracks from the album for me are Magic, Metaphor, Friends Don't Let Friends and Love's Greatest Episode. Make sure you get a copy to add to your R'n'B collection!
She is now set to release her debut album, which should be out in October 2009. With a new single out called Bad Boys featuring rapper Flo Rida, Alexandra is ready to show the world again her amazing talent.
Personal favorites of mine are 'Matter' and 'Lazy'. Letoya is playing the lead role in the movie Preachers Kid which is out in October 2009.
But according to her twitter page Faking It featuring Missy Elliott will be the official first single from her yet to be released debut album Pain Medicine. 
Whitney had her breakthrough when she covered and released Dolla Parton's song I Will Always Love You in 1992 accompanied with her lead role in the film The Bodyguard, Whitney was on top of the world. But soon after there was a lot of tribulations that followed alleged drug use and struggles in her marriage with Bobby Brown which later ended in a divorce in 2007. But with her daughter (Bobbi Kristina) and her dedicated fans love Whitney found the strength to bless us with another record. Songs like I Didn't Know My Own Strength and Million Dollar Bill (written by Alicia Keys) are strong singles which will make a great impact on the charts. With writers and producers such as Swizz beatz, Alicia Keys, and R. Kelly just to name a few, this album is set to be the biggest comeback.
She released her single It's My Time and just recently she released her video for My Man. Before her singing career took off Jade was involved in a few TV series, films and in the West End she played Nala in The Lion King at the age 12. Jade is not just a pretty face who shot to stardom overnight, she had to overcome some obstacles to get to where she is now. "I've grown up knowing that if I don’t go out attack life, and fight for what I want, then I just won’t get it," Jade insists. “Coming from a council estate in East London, where we didn’t have any money, with two disabled parents… I really don’t know how I got to where I am now. But I’m not about to stop fighting; there’s no limit to what I want to achieve, and I won’t stop until I get it! Her debut album will be released in early 2010.
She also did a tribute to Michael Jackson singing Never Can Say Goodbye effortlessly.
Singing songs from artists like Michael Jackson,Maxwell and D'Angelo with perfection to the maximum. To think he is not signed is mind blowing. But on J'sun twitter page he humbly said "Why get famous? I don't want my soul to be bought. Don't wanna be a robot".*Maxwell Reviews*
by Antonia Smitha
Don't Call it a comeback, call it a hit back as neo soul artist Maxwell his back with a soulful album BLACKsummers'Night. It's been 7 years since we've heard from this handsome crooner. 
Maxwell came onto the scene with his beautiful long hair and stylish clothing, in 1996 his debut album Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite was released. From there he released the MTV Unplugged Live EP, Embrya and Now. With his success still intact he bravely decided to take a break. In his interviews he has said he used the time off to live life which consisted of traveling and dating. A particular relationship with a special someone, inspired Maxwell with his latest album. We first got a taster of Maxwell when he performed at the 2008 BET Awards,with his fresh cut that showed his gorgeous features. He performed 'Simply Beautiful' a tribute to Al Green. He released his single 'Pretty Wings' with a simple and sexy video to go with it. He performed 'Pretty Wings' at the 2009 BET Awards which he dedicated to the King Of Music Michael Jackson. BLACKsummers'Night went to number one in the first week, selling over 300,000 units. Maxwell is currently on tour, for more information on his tour dates; www.myspace.com/maxwell
For more information on Maxwell; www.twitter.com/_Maxwell_
Bad Habits - Maxwell
*Reviews by Antonia Smith*
by Antonia Esmee Denters who was a constant singer on youtube singing other artists songs, like Aaliyah, Eric Clapton and Brandy. by Antonia Andreena Mill is a singer / songwriter from Canada and has been playing the piano from the age of 3. Andreena has had alot of experiences before entering the music industry as her father is also a musician and a recording artist. With the help of her dad she has been pursuing her dreams to the fullest, at the age of 11 she started recording and writing her own material. To download the mixtape click here: http://www.zshare.net/download/57409412699df37e/ For more information on Andreena: www.myspace.com/andreenamill ◊◊ by Antonia Adele is an English soul and Jazz singer with her album "19" hitting the top of the charts, adele's soulful voice is often compared to Amy Winehouse but her presenc | by Antonia Trey Songz may be taking the spot from the remix king himself, R.kelly. How? you ask, well Trey Songz has done many remixes like the one he did on Jazmine Sullivan's 'Bust your Windows and 'Beyonce's 'Ego'.
by Antonia Natty is a singer/songwriter already making an impact with his song 'Cold Town', which is a conscious lyrical song. For more information on Natty: www.myspace.com/natty4d ◊◊ by Antonia Vanessa Brown better known as V .V .Brown is an emerging artist on the rise, she is a singer/songwriter/pianoist and guitarist. |
It wasn't too long until people would start singing her song. After meeting Justin Timberlake through her manager (that noticed her on youtube) Timberlake signed her to his label Tennman Records. She is now an opening act for Neyo on his Year of the Gentleman Tour. Her video for 'Outta Here' has just recently been seen in the U.K. Which i think will do very well, be on the look out for this amazing talent.
Andreena's influences come from artists, like Brandy, Jimi Hendrix and Coldplay. In 2001 Andreena was a member of a girl group called 'X-Quisite' but in 2003 the group disbanded, which gave Andreena the exposure, freedom and confidence that lead to her hit single "Rewind" which was released in 2005. From there, Andreena has been stronger than ever as an artist, with an album coming out soon and a mixtape out now. 'Ready To Fly' is the name of the mixtape with DJ Lissa Monet. Songs like "Picture Perfect" , "This Is My Love Song" and You and Tomorrow" are on the incredible mixtape. 
e on stage with her guitar puts her in a lane of her own. "Cold Shoulders","Tired", "First Love" and "Chasing Pavements" are personal favourites on the album. So why don't you get the album and see which song's you enjoy! 
Now his jumped on the biggest hit of the year 'Best I Ever Had' by Young Money's artist Drake. Trey's single 'I Need a Girl' has been doing very well. His album 'Ready' will be out on 1st of September 2009, are you ready, i know i am!
But that's not all, as his song 'July' was a big hit in July 2008 and has become an anthem for all the July 's to come. Natty has been compared to the great Bob Marley who has influenced Natty in his music and Fela Kuti who is known for his controversial songs. Natty's videos gives great visuals of which interpret his songs effortlessly. However Natty also brings that to the stage as his presence is like no other. His debut album called 'Man Like I' is out now. 
With her edgy style and her signature flipped in fridge this is one female you will not forget about. Being a former back up singer and being in her church choir has prepared V .V to be professional and great at what she does. Dealing from an heartache, V .V penned her first single 'Crying Blood' which set her apart from any other artist as the lyrics contradicted the beat of the song. The lyrics were heartfelt whereas it was sung on a very up beat tune. Other songs like 'Leave' and 'Shark in the Water' are all on her debut album 'Traveling like the Light' which is out now.R&B Spotlights * Amerie
In late 2007, EW.com reported that Amerie had left her label Columbia Records. In April 2008, Amerie's name was removed from the label's roster. She signed a label/production deal with her imprint Feenix Rising Entertainment, through the Island Def jam Music Group, and is currently working on her next studio album with L.A. Reid. Recently o |
It will be Executively produced by LA Reid, Len Nicholson and Amerie herself. The set will also be expecting contributions from Christopher "Tricky" Stewart, Jim Jonsin, Bryan Michael Cox, Salaam Remi, Teddy Riley, Warryn Campbell, M Phazes, TrackNova, Sean Garrett & Eric Hudson among others. It is unclear whether long-time friend and producer Rich Harrison will be contributing to the album as he was absent from the production process of Amerie's third album. On the networking site Twitter, Amerie revealed the album title to be changed from 'Breakups To Makeups' to 'In Love & War'. Amerie also announced that her first single off the album will be titled "Why R U?" produced by The Buchanans. The single premiered online in the week of May 4th and received rave reviews. The track itself is even compared to Mary J. Blige's "What's The 411?" and "My Life" album, because of the old school feel. Funk Master Flex of New York's Hot 97 is quoted saying, "You got one baby!" as he continued to praise the record and play it for a total of 15 minutes. 30 minutes later, he played the original sample song, Ultramagnetic MCs' "Ego Trippin" with the high powered Amerie version for a total of 20 minutes with excitement stating, "I'd never thought I would hear this record redone so well ever in life." |
*Reviews by Antonia Smith*
Kelly Rowland On Top Kelly Rowland has hit the number one spot in the U.K charts, 'When Love Takes Over' is a collaboration with French DJ David Guetta. The energetic production from Guetta and the heartfelt lyrics from Ms. Kelly has made it a summer anthem.
◊◊ Ciara's new video for her new single 'Work', the video is based on a construction site. Ciara shows how she 'Work's that body of hers, but for many of us this would be some serious work out. With beautiful fashion shots, incredible dance moves, combined with the energetic song featuring Missy Elliott this is set to be just as big as '1, 2 Step'. Ciara's next video would be for her next single 'Like A Surgeon' from her album 'Fantasy Ride'.
| Cherri V: The British Breakthrough Artist ◊◊ FDM originally known as Fun*dmental 03, are three gentlemen who have been working hard for years, and finally an album can be expected soon. Signed to Da Works and Geffen (Home to Keyshia Cole) who have now co- signed to Compound Ent. (Neyo) FDM are in full force.  FDM consists of the following members, Jermaine, Varren and Kyle, with their soulful voices and dynamic dance moves FDM are making boy bands just as exciting and ground breaking as the 90's groups, such as Jodeci. Diva Dymes will keep you updated on the latest with FDM. www.myspace.com/fdmonline www.twitter.com/fdmonline |
Growing up from a musical family Cherri V is disciplined and determined to solidify her title as the 'Rock, R'n'B & Pop' princess. With songs like 'Favourite Guy' and 'Between the Sheets' Cherri V definitely knows how to capture ones feelings, like the Queen of Hip Hop and R'n'B Soul Mary J Blige, Cherri knows how to tell a story with raw emotion soaring from her incredible vocals. Already having a collaboration with Dawn from the disbanded Danity Kane the 'Fast Car Remix', Cherri V is on the way to the top. Her new single 'Til The Sun Comes Up' out on July 13th which samples Nirvana's 'Smells Like Teen Spirit', is another classic example of Cherri V's versatile taste in music. Exclusively to Diva Dymes, Cherri V announced that 'Skool Daze' will be the second single. This Cherri has being popped, giving us some musical rush which will be coming from her debut album 'Fast Cars, Silk Sheets And Favourite Guys' which is set for release this year.
