Music
Multi Grammy award nominee Stokley Williams premieres new single “Level”
Singer and two time Grammy Award nominee Stokley Williams charters a new course with his breathtaking debut solo album Introducing Stokley.
Stokley Williams wants to know if you’re on his level?
After over two decades as the lead vocalist for the incomparable hit making R&B band Mint Condition, singer and two time Grammy Award nominee Stokley Williams charters a new course with his breathtaking debut solo album Introducing Stokley.
Featuring guest appearances by the likes of Grammy winning jazz pianist Robert Glasper and Estelle as well as production from multi platinum duo Carvin Haggins & Ivan Barrias (Ledisi, Tamia, Kenny Lattimore), Introducing Stokley is long awaited by fans.
While Stokley was content with his band of brothers in Mint Condition as well as his outside collaborative endeavors, he realized that the time had come for him to embark on a musical voyage in a vessel meant for him to steer.
Introducing finds Stokley stepping into the spotlight, a vibrant portrait of an artist on a quest to cultivate a creative statement as an individual.
The album offers listeners a fresh perspective of a dynamic voice that has resonated with core fans around the world for over two decades.
Stokley enlisted the efforts of Carvin Haggins & Ivan Barrias. Responsible for the success and hits by such multi platinum acts as Musiq, Jill Scott, Ledisi and Faith Evans, the Philadelphia based duo contribute to the fabric of Introducing in a way that superbly compliments Stokley’s mellifluous vocal style.
Introducing Stokley also includes co-writing contributions from Sam Dew and Los Angeles based songwriting group The A Team.
The album’s groove laden lead single “Level” finds Stokley wielding his mighty pen as a songwriter, weaving lyrics of affirmation over a propulsive rhythm guitar driven track.
Stokley says, “We all seek to find someone or something that fits just right for us. Everybody wants something that fits with them comfortably. Something on their level.”
Check out Stokley Williams Level below:
Culture
U.S. Virgin Islands Announces the Performance Line-up for St. Thomas Carnival Village Featuring Shaggy, Sizzla, Patrice Roberts, and Machel Montano
The Village will be headlined by Caribbean superstars Shaggy, Patrice Roberts, Sizzla Kalonji, Kes, and Machel Montano, who will kick off the six-night free Village concerts on Monday, April 29.
The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and Division of Festivals has announced the performance line-up for the 72nd Annual St. Thomas Carnival Village.
72nd Annual St. Thomas Carnival Village
The Village will be headlined by Caribbean superstars Shaggy, Patrice Roberts, Sizzla Kalonji, Kes, and Machel Montano, who will kick off the six-night free Village concerts on Monday, April 29.
“The anticipation around this year’s St. Thomas Carnival is at an all-time high, and the Village night performers reflect the continued influence and growth of our territory’s three carnivals,” exclaims USVI Department of Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte.
Center Stage
Adam O, Rudy Live, Temisha, Karnage, Blind Earz, VIO International, and Spectrum Band are among the performers who will take center stage to represent the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“Every year, our goal is to pay homage to the vast Virgin Islands and Caribbean culture that is at the cornerstone of these annual celebrations for natives and visitors alike,” added USVI Division of Festivals Director Ian Turnbull.
Haitian kompa band VAYB and Dominican salsa orchestra Chiquito Team Band will provide a cross-cultural immersion of sound, highlighting the diverse musical interests of Virgin Islands residents.
First-time performers
Rounding out the village are a few first-time performers in the territory, including TeeJay, Jada Kingdom, and Kollision Band, and returning favorites Edwin Yearwood and Krosfyah, and Grandmasters.
Kids Night Out Village Night
This year, the Division of Festivals will host its first Kids Night Out Village Night, with activities including the Toddlers Derby, Best Dressed Doll, and performances by TMK and OTB.
More information on 72nd Annual St. Thomas Carnival Village
For up-to-date information about the 72nd Annual St. Thomas Carnival, visit https://www.instagram.com/usvifestivals/.
Music
Marlena Shaw, legendary jazz singer, dies at 81
Marlena Shaw, the singer behind “California Soul” and “Woman of the Ghetto”, has died.
Marlena Shaw, the singer behind “California Soul” and “Woman of the Ghetto”, has died.
Marlena Shaw has passed away
Shaw’s daughter announced her passing on Facebook.
“It’s with a very heavy heart for myself and my family I announce that our beloved mother, your beloved icon and artist Marlena Shaw has passed away,” Marla Bradshaw, her daughter, said. “She went listening to some of her favorite songs.”
Bradshaw did not specify the cause of death but said her mother’s passing was “peaceful”.
She was 81.
Music career
Marlena Shaw was a legendary musician who influenced music in the jazz, soul, disco and R&B genres.
She rose to notoriety the 1960s after she was noticed by the Chess Records label. She sang her most recognizable single “California Soul” with the label before switching to a more jazz-focused label.
Shaw’s music transcended across many generations and has been featured and sampled in popular media, TV commercials and other songs.
Her lyrics often communicated the strength of the Black American community and Black women at a time when there was racial divide in the country and its politics.
In her career, Shaw put out 17 albums.
Music
Chad Watson – “Though I Lie” (Music Video)
Rapper Chad Watson has released official music video for his single “Though I Lie”.
Rapper Chad Watson has released the official music video for his single “Though I Lie”.
Directed by Chad himself, the Los Angeles native strolls through various scenery in the area, while telling listeners though he may lie, he’s only human.
Watson was featured on Unheard Voices in 2022 and is continuing to make waves with his music.
Check out Though I Lie below:
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