(ThyBlackMan.com) If you grew up in the late ‘80s or early ‘90s, you probably remember Ralph Tresvant as the smooth, boyish voice behind some of New Edition’s sweetest moments. But the beauty of revisiting Ralph’s solo catalog is realizing just how timeless his sound really is. He wasn’t just the ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) When it comes to soul music that never goes stale, The Chi-Lites are a name that deserves a spot in every vinyl crate, playlist, or midnight radio session. Hailing from Chicago, these harmony kings didn’t just ride the wave of the ‘70s soul boom — they helped shape it. ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) If you’re an R&B lover — the kind who treasures real stories, powerhouse vocals, and music that hits you in your chest — then you already know Kelly Price is a name you don’t skip over. But in a world flooded with quick hits and short-lived trends, it’s easy ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) When we talk about the DNA of hip-hop, three words always come up: James Brown. Breakbeats. From the moment DJs like Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash first looped those funk grooves at Bronx block parties, the Godfather of Soul became something more — the Godfather of Hip-Hop’s heartbeat. It’s ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) Few voices in R&B history can match the velvet smoothness and emotional honesty of Luther Vandross. For many of us, his music isn’t just part of our playlists — it’s part of our lives. He gave us first dances at weddings, heartbreak anthems for lonely nights, and those songs ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) In the ever-evolving landscape of R&B and dance music, few voices have remained as distinct, versatile, and enduring as that of Deborah Cox. Emerging in the mid-1990s, Cox quickly set herself apart as a powerhouse vocalist who could command a heartbreaking ballad with the same ease she brought to ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) When people talk about the golden age of funk, certain names always come up: Parliament-Funkadelic, Earth, Wind & Fire, Kool & the Gang. But tucked into that legendary company is a band that deserves just as much shine — Con Funk Shun. Formed in Vallejo, California, this crew mastered ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) If you’ve been anywhere near a headline this summer, you already know: Sean “Diddy” Combs has once again sidestepped the legal noose. Found not guilty on three major federal counts — racketeering, sex trafficking by force, and specific trafficking charges related to Cassie Ventura and Jane — he now ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) When people talk about the golden age of Motown, names like Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross, and Marvin Gaye often dominate the conversation. But tucked within that glittering roster is Mary Wells — the velvety voice that first crowned Motown’s pop royalty. Nicknamed “The Queen of Motown,” Wells was more ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) Cherrelle’s name deserves to be right up there with the best of them in any conversation about underrated R&B royalty. For those who know, she’s a hidden gem of the Minneapolis sound — a singer whose voice defined a slice of the ‘80s and early ‘90s, thanks in large part ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) Sometimes, it’s amazing how two voices – from different eras – can still feel like they’re singing your story. Beyoncé and Patti LaBelle do that for me every time. Patti’s soul-stirring power and Beyoncé’s fearless reinvention show us that truth and emotion never go out of style — they ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) When we talk about the soul of Atlantic Starr, it’s impossible not to talk about Wayne Lewis. As one of the band’s co-founders, main songwriters, keyboardists, and occasional lead vocalists, Wayne’s fingerprints are all over some of the smoothest love songs and R&B grooves ever made. His gift for ...