Who said March Madness was only for basketball? And, who said women can’t ball? While we are fans of women’s basketball-traditional basketball-we can’t disregard our key players in RnB music. RnB magazine is doing something a little different this month for our #issue14. We have created our own starting lineup starring some of the most poppin’, vocal, bomb dot com, female singers. That’s right. Coming to the court-well stage-is our point guard, Jhene Aiko, our shooting guard, Kehlani, Tinashe, our small forward, Tori Kelly, as power forward, and Andra Day as center. You may ask why we chose these five phenomenal women as our
starting line-up? Well, you have to read the issue to find out! We can’t forget the beautiful, flawless skinned brown woman on the cover. That’s Vivian Green, our head coach who is making the illest comeback with her new album Vivid.
Our good friend, Ashley Miller, has provided her own views on our starting lineup in a very opinionated video.
In honor of March Madness, we’ve also reached out to some singers you will definitely need to know this year. Siaira Shawn, also known as the girl who makes music to touch your soul, is definitely a new voice you want to look out for. Vedo, who may look familiar for being a contestant on NBC’s “The Voice,” voice is a powerhouse. Also, 12 year old KJ Leak, whose voice caught the attention of Atlantic Starr, is surely going to be a force to reckoned with.
March Madness wouldn’t be “March Madness” if we didn’t discuss two of the top rival teams in college basketball- Kentucky Wildcats and the Louisville Cardinals. We can’t leave the month of March without providing readers with some hot spring break destinations to enjoy with your friends or family. And we can’t mention basketball without bringing up the one, the only, the black mamba…Kobe Bryant-who is retiring this year after giving L.A five championships. He might not be a professional basketball player, but he sure knows how to ball, on the court and stage as he dances and sings his butt off. By he, I’m talking about Chris Brown. Read why we believe he is a legend in the making. After you’ve gotten your brains and souls filled with basketball, take a stroll down memory lane as we’ve listed some of our favorite RnB jams from the 90’s til today.
We hope you enjoy this issue. Happy March!
Vivan Green
Back when the 90’s era of RnB was trickling it’s way into the 2000’s wave, artists like Alicia Keys, Faith Evans, and Jill Scott were reminding us of our worth and keeping us level-headed. Music that was our “go to” for any and every situation dominated the radios. This particular artist that we so gladly were given the opportunity to chat with was one of those artists whose music was like a journal-a journal she allowed the world access to.
We were first introduced to Vivian Green back in 2002 when she released her debut album A Love Story that featured her hit single “Emotional Rollercoaster.” The singer has returned with her fifth studio album Vivid entirely produced by Kwame Holland, who has also produced for artists Mary J. Blige, Christina Aguilera, Dru Hill, and more. The album’s first “Get Back To My Baby,” which samples Maze and Frankie Beverly’s “Before I Let You Go” validates why we first fell in love with Vivian thirteen years ago.
FEATURE STORIES
RnB’s Starting 5: Jhene Aiko, Kehlani, Andra Day, Tinashe &Tori Kelly
The “starting lineup,” also known as the “starting five” in basketball are the players we know will actively begin every game. They are their team’s most valuable assets and we (fans) depend on them to get the momentum going and aid in a win. Baseball, football, ice hockey, and nearly every sport has a starting lineup. As important as the lineup is in sports, the music industry also has its “key players” that keep our ears filled with life changing songs-more specifically RnB.
Musician, Actor, Writer, Singer, Ex-Pro Ball Player– Jay Nemor Does It All!
Jay Nemor, also known as Jason Nemor Harden is a singer, songwriter, producer, saxophonist, writer and actor. Born in Houston, Texas, Jay was playing instruments and performing at a young age. Jay was sidetracked from music for years as he pursued a career in basketball, which led him to traveling Europe and the Middle East, eventually making Iceland home. It was there that he studied and became influenced by jazz, which shows in his music style.
Siaira Shawn
As an artist, you are supposed to live and breathe your craft. Whether it be singing, dancing, acting, poetry, or whatever, your art should be your baby. Your everything. Your life. There’s no doubt about it-this beautiful soul by the name of Siaira Shawn is passionate about her music. The San Francisco native has been singing since childhood and the grace of her voice speaks wise beyond her years.
COMPOSITION
It’s More To Music Than Just Singing….It’s An Art
MY Life
The Way We Live Makes An Impact On Who We Are
Legends Aren’t Created, They’re Born! Join Us As We Wish Kobe Bryant A Farewell As He Retires
March Madness! (The Heart of My City)
March Madness is here–and who better to find out about how deep team rivalries can go than to check in with a Louisville native, current resident and writer, Josh Bennett. The biggest and most well known rival teams in college basketball are the Kentucky Wildcats and the Louisville Cardinals.
