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?

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!

Rick Ross feat. Jay Z "Devil Is A Lie"

I may not be the biggest Rozay fan but I can admit hot shit when I hear it and this right here is hot shit! Whenever Jay and Rick connect they seem to mesh well. Now could a possible album by the two of them in the works? One can only wish and hope. In the meantime rock out to this track that will be on Rick's new album "Mastermind" in 2014.

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!

Black Music Month - Heavy D

As we continue to roll through the month of June and celebrate "Black Music Month" let's shine the light on one of the greatest MC's to ever spit a hot bar. The late great Heavy D, who along with The Boyz consisting of DJ Eddie F, T-Roy & G-Wiz burst onto the scene as the first act signed to Uptown Records in 1987. They released five albums over their span. Unfortunately during their run T-Roy passed away in 1990 and the leader of the Boyz, Heavy D himself passed away in 2011 after performing at the 2011 BET Hip-Hop Awards. It was his first performance in over 15 years and it would also serve as his last. So let's celebrate with the late-great Heavy D!

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!

JAY Z "Open Letter" by Life Times

Hova returns with this cut to all his haters! Peep it below!

JAY Z "Open Letter" by Life Times

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! :)

Kelly Jones "The Alphabet Song"

So I was just cruising through one of my favorite sites www.soulbounce.com and I can across this dope song by Kelly Jones. I have been going hard in the music business for over 16 years now and I have seen a lot come and go. This song really sums up how the music business has been in transition over the years. Give this song a listen and let me know what you think.

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!

Best Male Soul Voices

Soul. How does one define it? Especially when it comes to the essence of Soul Music. There are and have been a lot of male soul singers that have graced us with their savory and melodic presence. As I sit here composing this blog my mind starts to wonder about the best male singers to set fire to song like a three-alarm fire that you don't want to put out. I am talking about singers who make you feel every inch of their pain, love and desires in every word they sing.

So do me the favor and listen to some of my favorite Soul Male singers and let me know what you think. I know this will be up for discussion so let the talks begin. I decided to add old and new on this list from David Ruffin, Sam Cooke to Bilal. Comment or tweet me @stretch_66 your thoughts and favorite singers. Enjoy.

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!

Kane Is Still Able

It has nearly been 25 years since Antonio Hardy had his debut on Cold Chillin' Records, dropping his notorious single "Raw" to the hip-hop masses. As a 12-year-old kid back in 1988 all I knew was Thundercats, G.I. Joe, my ever growing crush on Hillary Grimm and Big Daddy Kane! When I reflect on how music especially hip-hop has evolved and then regressed over the past 25 years, there is one consummate that holds true and that is Kane was a ill MC back then and can still hold his own today.

I was in the gym working out and was just tossing up those 20 pound dumbbells like nothing when I was listening to "Ain't No Half Steppin'" and was just floored on how Kane was so precise and clever with his wordplay. It is said that he was Jay before Jay-Z. Yes, Kane came before his time and didn't benefit monetarily like MC's  rappers do today, but I think today's rappers can benefit off of Kane today. Kane brought swag before swag was even thought about, he had an energy about him that illuminated from his records and he actually had something to say! It was about two years ago when I saw Kane in Brooklyn at Prospect Park and he killed it! Okay, he may have put on a few more pounds and aged a bit but watching him perform you couldn't tell. So the question is could Big Daddy Kane hold his own today as a current artist in today's digital world and sub-par rappers? I think we all know that answer and that is a 44-year-old Big Daddy Kane is 90% better than most of the cats out here now claiming to be rappers.

Go back in time with me and enjoy some classic Kane tracks let the King Asiatic Nobody's Equal school us all.  It is of course "A Big Daddy Thing!" 

Rainy Night Remedy

Hey world! How goes it on this Sunday evening? Well I'm posted up in my favorite spot right now which is Starbucks. I love to come here and write, people watch and listen to the music. Tonight is nothing different except for the rain that continues to fall. Which of course has led me to think about songs that focus on "rain."

The element of rain can be used in many ways in a song. My favorite of course is in a slow  jam to set the mood. So here is my play list of "Rain" themed songs. If you have a favorite that I didn't include let me know. Leave a comment. Enjoy your Sunday night and relish in the rain. Follow me on Twitter @stretch166