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!

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?

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!

2013 Bangers That Stood Out To Me!

What a year 2013 was for music!! The year where we saw Kanye continue to lose it, Beyonce drop an album with no promotion nor leaks, where we were  hit over the head with songs like Versace, Versace, Versace and other nonsensical nursery rhyme raps.

I'm hoping that 2014 will bring us back to a position where music is the star and not the thought that anyone can sing or rap is the star. There are some potential new leaders out there which leaves me optimistic. I thought I would hit you all off with a little something from the folks I started to feel in 2013. Let's see if they can maintain in 2014! Enjoy the music and the New Year!

New Jack Swing Friday

There was a moment in time for me when music just my everything. It still is but as a teenager I needed my New Jack Swing! It was a point in my life where I was going through my adolescent stage and listening to the bravado of Bobby Brown, the laced lyrics of Heavy D or the dope sounds of Guy! It was a great time for music and this seems like a good day to share that with you all. Happy New Jack Friday!

Searching for R&B! Lucy Pearl-Without You

I just had a thought on this Sunday and my thought was where is R&B? I know we have so-called 'R&B' out there but I want to know where is the real deal? Lucy Pearl albeit the original group only put one album out (thanks Dawn Robinson!) but it was one classic album. A strong vibe of soul that you can listen to from start to finish. So here is one of favs from that album. I hope you enjoy on this beautiful Sunday afternoon.

Kelly Rowland Got Me Hooked!

Never before in my mind would I would I say that out of all the girls that have rolled in and out of Destiny's Child that Kelly Rowland would be my fave! In their early inception I was always an LaToya Luckett fan and still am but Kelly Rowland has got my attention at full salute! Not only is she on the radio on just about every song she has finally found herself a hit! Yes, we all know bitches need to "Bow Down" to King Bey but not Kelly! She has her own throne and army to lead and this chick has me in her camp as the Court Jester or loyal servant! Shit, I will do whatever she wants me to do at this point in time. I love her track "Kisses Down Low" and whenever I play it on the air I just sit back close my eyes and dream! In case you have been under a rock for sometime and haven't heard the song peep the visuals below! Kelly's body is beyond dope! This is one chocolate morsel I would love to have in my cookie! Sugar-free or not! :)

Dope Music Saturday

It's a "Dope Music Saturday" that's right hitting you off with a few joints that you may not have heard in a minute! Before I get into that I have to take a moment to say RIP to the best rapper of all times! The ill-est MC to spit a hot 16 of course I'm talking about The NOTORIOUS B.I.G. who was tragically killed today 16 years ago! We will always love Big Poppa! So get into this dope music for you on this Saturday. Enjoy and stay up!

Still Missing You

It's odd how fast time flies by and we all tend to go on with our lives and day-by-day we start to lose a connection with the ones we have lost along the way. I can recall where I was the day I heard Aaliyah passed away 11 years ago. We going back to the days of two-way pagers here folks. I was still working at 92Q in Baltimore and it was a Saturday night. I was with my co-workers Egypt and Breeze and we were going to some club. Oddly, enough I have forgotten the name of the club but I will never forget the day I got the news Aaliyah passed. My pager was going off the hook with so many different versions of what happened. This was BG (Before Google) days and TMZ albeit the worldwide web was in effect it wasn't where it is now. So it took a minute for the story to be confirmed. I remember when it was we were in the club and we made the announcement and silent hush took over the club. It went from a room full of sweat and sultry dancing to tears and confusion.

It's funny how God always puts things or shows you things in life. A few weeks before Aaliyah's untimely death she was at the radio station doing the mandatory radio visit. I have to admit I was a fan that day! At the time my show was from 10pm-2am and when I got off the air I was so geeked to meet her that I just stayed at the station until she came around 8am or so. Who would have known that would be the first and last time we would meet. Life is full of uncertainty and disappointments but I have to say that day was a blessing more than any other. So in honor of the "Baby Girl", I put together this play list of some of my favorite songs by her. A beauty and talent gone too soon but in the best hands right now! Enjoy and always remember the ones we lose.

Stretch

Happy Birthday Prince!

Today is a day fit for a King err...I mean Prince! It's Prince's 56th birthday! All hail the Prince!

On this special day, I thought I'd show my appreciation to a man, who has been coined a musical genius, in this time.  The eclectic styles and transformations of Prince have been noted  as well as celebrated throughout his 56 years on this place called Earth. He has made music that our grand children's grand kids will be rocking to til the end of time! So join me in wishing the Purple One a happy birthday--"Let's Go Crazy" on "A Raspberry Beret" and stir up a little "Controversy", while the "Purple Rain" falls from the sky and we watch "Erotic City" come alive, I guess that's just the "Sign O' The Times" so said "Darling Nikki" who also shouted "Baby I'm A Star!!"


https://play.google.com/music/playlist/AMaBXyleLmM2hIpn3FI3Rn0z3Tx0wYYHY6R0CbLreufWDGmmSUtfrAWvW6x0BPdLLp19EOq-Rq9XPpr7x1sSCVqHeCQ6BY938w%3D%3D

Happy Birthday Mr. Prince Nelson Rogers!

Enjoy the special Prince mix I put together in honor of his b-day!

The Death of an Angel

Where were you Saturday February 11, 2012? This will be a day that the world lost one of the most influential voices in music--Whitney Houston! A bona fide pop icon and global superstar is what Whitney was and will forever be remembered for being. I can honestly say I never thought I would have to be writing about the untimely death of the voice of the 80's and 90's. She took the world by storm with her debut album "Whitney Houston" in 1985. That album produced seven consecutive No.1 Billboard singles such as "Saving All My Love", "You Give Good Love", "How Will I Know and "Greatest Love Of All". Her voice and beautiful looks were all a breath of fresh air for the then 19-year-old! She was what the world needed and we all embraced her. Whitney paved the way for all female-artists that have followed her. None of them can't say that they didn't admire and looked up to the "Diva" simply known as Ms. Houston! Despite all of Whitney's fame and admiration from fans around the world she still battled her demons. They always say that the ones who are super-talented always suffer from something within that ultimately eats them up. Whitney had her issues with drugs, alcohol and of course her tumultuous and unusual marriage to Bobby Brown. But throughout all of that we thought we would get "our" Whitney back. But instead all we got was the shell of that woman that became the best-selling female artist of times, the woman who starred in "The Bodyguard" and had everyone singing "I Will Always Love You".

It saddens us all when we see our heroes fall or struggle and we can't do anything but stand-by and watch. Throughout it all Whitney Houston blessed us with her love, music and beautiful spirit. We must now not reflect on the latter years of Whitney's life but embrace all of what she did that made her the best-selling female artists of all-time! There will never be another and no one should ever try to copy an original. My thoughts and prays go out her daughter and family. So DMV let us relish and reflect on all the joy and love Whitney brought to our lives. As a fan I mourn her passing with her music that will live on forever! Her voice is undeniable and can never be duplicated. Thank you, Whitney for your mark and impression you put in my life, may God hold you tight and release you of all your pain and fears that you carried all of these years.

Forgotten Gems!

Do you remember rocking your radio in the 80's and 90's to nothing but the hotness!? Remember wondering if Tracie Spencer really had "Tender Kisses" or if New Edition would "Count You Out". Well, let me take you down a musical memory lane of some of my favorite joints we just don't hear anymore. Enjoy!

New Music Tuesdays!!

Well look at what I stumbled upon!! Peep out this track from RaVaughn Brown called "Same Ol BS," she is the new signee to Ne-Yo's Compund U label on Columbia Records! This dude can write the hell out of a song and he doesn't disappoint on this one either. RaVaughn can definitely sing and this right here will be ladies anthem for the spring. Tell me what you think!



Bonus Track: "No Where"  I'm loving this song as well!

Follow on Twitter @itsRaVaughn

Saturday Mornin' Cleaning Music

I can remember when I was a kid and on Saturday mornings my Mom would have the radio on while she cleaned. That was one of my first and early introductions to music. After some cartoons and cereal I would groove around while the radio played the hot joints. So here is just a taste of songs that had me pumped! Now we all know noboby cleans their house to music anymore but here you go! LOL!

Midnight Star - No Parking On The Dance Floor


Luther Vandross - Bad Boy/Having A Party


Club Nouvea - Why You Treat So Bad


Ashford & Simpson -It Seeems To Hang On

Uh-Huh, Another Case of a "MSJ"- Missing Slow Jams

Listening to current Slow Jams today make me laugh at times at how corny and extra-suggestive they can be. The other day I found a old-school Slow Jam CD that I made back in '97. The first track on that piece was Luther Vandross "Superstar/Until You Come Back To Me". Hands down maybe the best R&B slow jam written! At the very beginning of that cut Luther sets the mood for a song about a man yearning for his long gone love.

I wanna tell you, baby
The changes I've been goin' through
Missin' you, missin' you, oh...oh...
Till you come back to me
I don't know what I'm gonna do
N-n-n-no, n-n-no

I miss songs like 'Sensuality (Parts 1&2)' by The Isley Brothers, Maxwell's 'Lifetime', Marvin Gaye's 'Distant Lover' (the live version is a beast) or Prince's 'Adore'. Don't get me wrong today's slow jams are great to bump for the beat and such but, the content within the songs don't carry any weight. When R. Kelly made his solo debut in 1993 with '12 Play' the world was caught on fire! Yes, his lyrics of sex and lust were not hidden well but his pen game was so tight that they were eventually overlooked. 12 Play spent nine weeks atop the R&B charts during this period. Hell, you can't even get a single to stay number one for ten days nowadays. Songs like 'Sex Me (Parts 1&2)', 'Your Body's Calling' and 'Bump N Grind' may not have had the sincere and tasteful approach of a Marvin or Stevie Wonder song but they did help redefine and shape the Slow Jam genre. 

How do we define what makes a good Slow Jam? Ask yourself that question. Some may answer that they want a romantic song that they can make babies to or something they can play at their wedding for the first dance, and others just say they want a soft-smooth song to play at work. I guess over the years songs have parted away from the object of love in general and focused on the act of just getting some. Singers like Anthony Hamilton, Eric Roberson and Lalah Hathaway are throwbacks in the sense of creating great songs that simply exhibit the art of the Slow Jam. 

It is funny that over my years of being in radio and just a lover of music in general, that I always find myself gravitating back to the classics, or to songs that capture those characteristics. Hell, I know over the years music goes through it's changes and folks got to eat--I get it. But can we just find another way to express "love and emotions" through song rather than wanting to have the neighbors know our names? Well, I'm off to listen to some Carl Thomas, MJB, SWV, Aretha Franklin, MJ and Donnell Jones amongst others. I guess this case is still cold until we find that ever elusive Slow Jam.

Click Here for some of the best Slow Jams

Share your thoughts with me and email at Stretch@radio-one.com

Twitter: Stretch166

What are some of your favorite Slow Jams?

Fresh Faces To Vibe To...

What up folks!? Yes, I know it has been a minute since your boy has down you right. Please accept my deepest apologies but I have been grindin' something terrible! :) So do me a favor and open your ears to some new and exciting talent! Yes, we all know the music business is becoming more and more desolate but with more and more artists like The Weeknd and Elle Varner coming the future is oh-so bright! So take a listen to here to some "new kids" on the block. And on a side note that Weeknd jam stripper song for sure! So ladies let out your inner Diamond when you listen to this joint!

Summer of 1998!

As we face this heat during the summer months my mind has traveled back in time to the summer of 1998! That was a good time for me as a young adult and in my love for music. I had just graduated from college and was working at 92Q in Baltimore, where we were getting ready for our Summer Jam concert! During that time there were a lot of great songs on the radio. I'm talking about music that had a purpose and had your head going from side-to-side to the beat and rhythm. It's funny I wish I could take a time machine back in time to some of my favorite times in my life. It is even more amazing how music has played a major factor in my life as well. So, I thought I would share a little play list of some of the hits in the summer of '98 that made me rock out. This is just a taste of what '98 had to bring so don't go getting on me for missing shit! :)



Next - Too Close



Wyclef Jean - Gone Till November



Dru Hill - How Deep Is Your Love



Monifah - Touch It



Missy Elliott & Da Brat - Sock It 2 Me



Deborah Cox - Nobody's Suppose To Be Here



Master P - Make Em Say Uhh!

Alison In Wonderland!!!

There is not much I can say about this lady other than "she is effin' awesome!!!" If you have never heard of her or seen her live let me be the first to say, "World, allow me to introduce you to Alison Carney!" She is a beast! A talent like no other and just a all-around cool ass chick! Peep out her latest EPK "Alison Wonderland", I guarantee you won't skip a song as she captures your mind and soul with each note. Enjoy!