Exclusive: V. Bozeman Talks with Stretch on KYS After Dark (Full-Interview)

So tonight I had the chance to chop it up with Epic Recording artist and one of the bright stars of the hit television show Empire--none other than V. Bozeman! We cut up on the music business, Empire, her love for Timbaland and her least favorite Snapchat filter! Peep the full-interview below! Be sure to catch me on 93.9 WKYS with KYS After Dark, Sunday nights from 10pm-2am, stream from www.kysdc.com and follow on Instagram @StretchG

Dope Ish You Need To Know Too!

Have you ever had that moment when you just hear a song or two that makes you mind come to a stand still? I mean really just pause and focus on the lyrics, the instrumentation, the beat and syncopation? Well, tonight rather this morning my mind was blown by a lot of music that I just heard for the first time. I have been in a rut as far as writing has been for few months. The pressure of writing my first novel and trying to maintain a blog can keep a man on edge. But tonight I've been inspired by some new talented artists. I'm really digging this starlet out of the Bay area by the name of Kehlani. She's only 19 years old but she fire! I had to do some research because here face looked so familiar and my detective work led me to the fact that she was once on "America's Got Talent" back when she was in the 8th grade. Man, has she grown!

I've heard about this versatile singer/rapper by the name of Tink out of Chicago, but I never really heard anything from her until tonight. Yes, I know I'm late to the party but shit I rather be late--than to never come at all. This gem has got some substance behind her delivery. Could she be the artist that can pick up the torch that Lauryn left before she went wayward? Time will tell. I can assure she is a lot better than a lot of the female MC's out right now, sorry Nicki.

So do yourself a favor and get your mind engulfed in some great new music from some very talented artists out there right now. Open your ears for a much needed "eargasim" courtesy of your boy Stretch!

The Power of New Edition

Have you ever been to a concert? I’m not talking a meet and greet, album release or mini-showcase. I’m talking a full-fledged dynamic bring you to your feet concert, a bona fide show! Last week I had the pleasure of seeing New Edition in concert at the Verizon Center in DC. Now this was may have been my 7th time seeing these gentlemen grace the stage, but this performance stood bar none to the other times. During this period in music where R&B groups are few and far between it is refreshing to see a group of men in their mid to late 40’s actually singing live and painting the stage with precise dance moves. They learned from the best before them a list that includes The Temptations, The Four Tops, and The Jackson 5 just to name a few. So to say watching New Edition give a top-notch, Grade A+ show is an understatement. They took me to a place where my love and appreciation for music lives and grows emphatically.

They spent just about 90 minutes pouring every ounce of energy they had them and me singing hit after hit, adding in multiple outfit changes and let me not forget the infectious dance moves that had me up in my seat. New Edition is what you can call a tried and true music group. They have seen the highs and have seen the lows of fame. Each and everyone of them from Ralph, Ricky, Mike, Ronnie, Johnny and of course Bobby have experienced success individually and as a group. Throughout it all they have continued to master and execute a stage show that keeps the crowds coming. I’m talking about a group that hasn’t had an album out since 2010, with the groups one and only album, “One Love” on Diddy’s Bad Boy imprint. So what is it that causes this group to sellout venue after venue? Simple. They have the best die hard fans out there. Fans like myself who love great and timeless music and the fact that the guys put in the time and effort to entertain us for over 30 years.

I ask myself daily what current group or artists out there can carry the weight that New Edition has over the last 30 years? Not many at all to be honest. So where does this leave one of my favorite groups of all-time? The stingy side of me wants to see them never do another album again because I don’t want to see them tarnish a legacy. The music fiend in me urges and pretty-please begs for a new album. I guess I can’t have it both ways but I do know that finally that film about their 30-year career is coming. Although we all think we know their storied career we don’t and it would be good to see it on the big screen. So for now all we can do is continue to rejoice in concerts like the one I saw in DC, listen to our Pandora or Spotify play lists and of course go and see them when we can. Great music is not always a given, so when it is the only thing you can do is cherish and hold onto it tight. Just like the generation before me holds onto Motown and the Gamble and Huff era, I hold onto New Edition, Mint Condition, Tone, Toni, Tony and Boyz II Men. So kudos to you to you gents from Boston and Washington, DC, for the six of you have impacted my love for music just like the legends before you. I hope to share your sounds with my future kids. There is nothing old about New Edition!

Paula Campbell "Call On You"

Good music these days are hard to come by but my girl Paula Campbell just delivered! Peep out her latest single entitled "Call On You" and if you listen closely you can hear a nice subtle sample. Paula comes through with her melodic voice as she gives you precise note after note. Enjoy this song and share it. Trust me you won't be disappointed.

Usher - Good Kisser

So it looks like when he isn't judging and helping others on "The Voice", he is making the music we have come to love him for. The newest single from Usher "Good Kisser" is certainly a great and refreshing R&B track. My thoughts are this will be a big summer record that will have the clubs and your summer BBQ's turned up! What are your thoughts?

Where Are They Now!?

There is always that moment where you're sitting in your car, in the house or at your desk at work and a song comes on that makes you go crazy and then you realize, "Where the hell is person at now?!"

Well in today's edition of 'Where Are They Now,' I thought I hit you off with my man JT Money! Remember this dude who gave us that dope summer banger with "Who Dat" featuring Sole in 1999. It's funny dude looks like the offspring of Roy Jones, Jr. and Trick Daddy! Enjoy!

Amp Fiddler - Basementality 2

Amp Fiddler is back with the follow-up to his successful album Basmentality with Basementality 2. It took some years but good music is worth the wait in my opinion. Be sure to cop the EP and support this project!